Our City Dreams

Our City Dreams is a 2008 Chiara Clemente-directed documentary film that provides a unique and intimate exploration of the lives of five different women who have something significant in common: they are all leading artists living and working in New York City, and have life experiences that are creatively and passionately intertwined with diverse aspects of this city. Ranging from different corners of the globe, these artists include Marina Abramovic, Ghada Amer, Kiki Smith, Swoon (Caledonia Curry), and Nancy Spero.

The documentary starts with common elements of New York’s skyline, riveting us into the real stories of these female artists who brought substantial transformations in the dimensions of contemporary art through their indomitable spirit of perseverance, passion, and love for art. This film is not just about the difficulties faced by women in the art world, but it is also about the struggle that every artist has to undergo to carve a niche and garner recognition, especially in the male-dominated art community.

In Our City Dreams, each artist’s story unfolds and is illustrated through a series of interviews, studio visits, art exhibitions, and scenes with family and friends. The film also beautifully encapsulates their creative processes, the inspiration behind their work, and their brave approach to constantly pushing boundaries, giving a deep insight not only into their colorful art world but also into their magnificent minds.

Marina Abramovic, originally from Serbia, is represented as a performance artist who has crafted an international reputation with her challenging and emotional work which mostly centers around her body as the subject and medium. Ghada Amer, an Egyptian-born artist, is famed for her erotic-themed artwork, which is her way to express femininity and sexuality, as well as to challenge the notions of Islamic culture.

The American Swoon (Caledonia Curry), a street artist known for her life-size wheatpaste prints and paper cutouts, tells her story through her work in post-Katrina New Orleans and the swimming cities of Switchback Sea. Next, Kiki Smith, the daughter of famed American artist Tony Smith, is recognized for her diverse and unconventional practices that explore the human condition, female body, and mythical creatures. Nancy Spero, the oldest artist featured, is known for her continuous innovation in creating feminist artwork, highlighting the misuse of power and the struggles against it.

Our City Dreams is notable for celebrating the diversity of the selected artists, not just in terms of their cultural backgrounds and ages, but also in their artistic styles and modes of expression. Moreover, it gives a special focus on how New York, as a city with its fast-paced rhythm, constant transformation, and cultural diversity, significantly influences their work and lifestyle. Many scenes are shot in the city and their art studios which have been beautifully presented for the audience to appreciate.

By showcasing the reality of an artist’s life beyond the glamour of art exhibitions, the film provides a realistic representation of these women's ongoing commitment to incorporate their personal visions and commentaries into creativity, and how they navigate their artistic difficulties and the sacrifices they make in the process.

Overall, Our City Dreams presents an extraordinary journey into the minds and lives of these exceptional artists. It offers a tour de force mosaic of each artist's world, where the line between life and art seamlessly merge. The film aptly captures each woman's neurosis, showcasing an amalgamation of love, ambition, fear, creativity, and resilience. This film is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary art, the creative process, or the stories of accomplished, powerful women making their mark on the world around them.