Ken Foster

Ken Foster is a 2016 Canadian documentary directed by Josh Laner that serves as a profound and impactful exposé of an area of society that is often overlooked. The titular character, Ken Foster, is a Vancouver-based street artist known for his vibrant style and profound perseverance despite life's challenges. Through its 66-minute run time, the film explores both Ken's personal struggles and his growth as an artist, making for a biographical experience that is as informed by Ken's perspective as it is by the various environmental factors shaping his craft.

The film introduces Ken Foster with both grace and a deep sense of reverence, showing scenes of the man working on large, colorful canvases while battling his personal demons. He is presented as a journeyman, traveling from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, each time leaving a piece of himself behind on the canvas. His work is both raw and captivating, reflecting his eye for details and a unique approach to the natural and urban landscapes. Through his choice of subjects and his distinctive style, Ken creates pieces that are not only breathtaking but also relevant, reflecting his socio-economic surroundings as an artist living in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Ken Foster delves into the titular character's struggles with addiction and homelessness. Director Laner carefully avoids romanticizing Ken's struggles, instead presenting a raw, unfiltered look at his daily reality. Despite his struggles, Ken is always drawn back into his artistic pursuits, painting scenes of the city that others may overlook and reaching out to share his work with passers-by.

The film also delves into Ken's constant battles with mental health issues. The clear torment he faces is depicted alongside moments of beautiful creation, underlining the often-blurred lines between madness and genius. The film doesn't shy away from showing the sobering reality of Foster's life, often pushing the audience out of their comfort zones with its gritty portrayal of addiction and mental illness. Responsibility is never shirked, neither by Foster himself nor by the film, creating a powerful depiction of a man in constant battle with himself and the world around him.

Another critical element in Ken Foster is the city itself - Vancouver. The city comes alive through Ken's eyes, as the director works to show how it shapes and is shaped by Ken's art. Vancouver is depicted as both a muse and nemesis, a city of contrasts that serves as Ken’s home, inspiration, and sometimes, his tormentor. The film often contrasts the striking beauty of the city's natural landscapes with the harsh realities faced by its impoverished inhabitants, with Ken serving as the focal point of this juxtaposition.

In terms of its cinematic language, Ken Foster often feels more like a visual composition than a simple documentary. Laner creates a mood that feels intimate and personal, yet also containing an observational distance. The cinematography is delicate and respectful, often allowing the images of Ken and his art to speak for themselves. In addition, the soundtrack largely consists of local Vancouver artists, adding a layer of authenticity and connection to the city whose portrait is such a vital part of the film.

While the film documents Ken's struggles, it never indulges in despair. Instead, Ken Foster is steeped in a sense of hope that stems from its subject's relentless perseverance and undeniable talent. An empowering testament to the human spirit, the film navigates the challenges that Ken faces, such as addiction, mental illness, and poverty, yet continues to celebrate the power of art and personal resilience. At its core, the film contends that art can serve as a means of survival, a lifeline in a turbulent world.

In conclusion, Ken Foster is an emotionally impressive and artistically significant documentary. It reveals the many facets of its subject, both as an individual and an artist, with honesty and respect. Through all its harsh reality, it remains an inspiring tale of resilience and the transformative power of art, making Ken Foster not just a portrait of a man, but a testament to surviving against the odds.