Shadowman

Shadowman is a fascinating and compelling documentary film directed by Oren Jacoby and features Richard Hambleton, Andrew Valmorbida, and Mette Madsen. Released in 2017, it tells the story of Richard Hambleton, one of the most enigmatic New York street artists of the 1980s. A mixture of curiosity, admiration, and the macabre, Hambleton's art was as mysterious and elusive as the man himself.

The movie's title, Shadowman, hints at the theme of Hambleton's distinctive artwork. Known for his strange shadow-like figures that would appear unannounced on buildings across Manhattan, Hambleton brought art out of the galleries and into the streets. He would cover city walls and other public spaces with outlines of human shapes, creating feelings of eeriness and intrigue. These shadowy figures became symbols of the city's darkness, acting as a commentary on the decay and despair of 1980s New York.

In the span of the film, director Jacoby takes the audience on a tumultuous journey through Hambleton's life. The film combines personal interviews, archival footage, and present-day events to drape an image of Hambleton's turbulent career, damaged personal relations, and battles with drug addiction. The sensory and visceral experience evokes both fascination and sympathy. It also manages to highlight the grit and resilience of the artist, underscoring the true depth of his artistic genius.

What set Hambleton apart from his contemporaries like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, were his unfashionable beliefs about art. While many artists craved commercial success and recognition, Hambleton was a renegade who sought no validation from traditional art institutions. He loathed the mainstream art world, believing that art should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite. As a result, his art became famous for its subject matter and lack of a signature. He would instead secretly place his installations in public areas, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Shadowman makes an extraordinary tale of Hambleton's rise to fame, his struggles with identity, addiction, and homelessness, and his eventual rediscovery by the mainstream art community. The film also explores the profound influence and legacy he left, his art now found in the collections of significant museums and exhibiting internationally. It discusses the symbiotic relationship Hambleton shared with gallery-owner, Andrew Valmorbida, who played a significant role in the artist's late-career resurgence and recognition.

In the character of Richard Hambleton, there is a dichotomy of a creative genius overwhelmed by his own insecurities and personal demons. Here, Jacoby sifts through the layers, offering an unflinching portrait of Hambleton as both a mythical figure and a deeply flawed human being. The film anchors itself in Hambleton's struggle – his pursuit of an authenticity that bordered the line between freedom and self-destruction.

Featuring Mette Madsen, the film also focuses on the powerful and deeply complex relationship between her and Hambleton. As a critical player in the art community who recognized Hambleton's brilliance from the beginning, her insights into his life and character give the viewer an intimate look into what it was like to know and love this enigma of a man.

Presented with striking cinematography, distinctive soundtrack, and engrossing narrative, Oren Jacoby's Shadowman is an exploration of the New York City art scene, of Richard Hambleton's life and work, and of the human struggle to express oneself freely. It's a thoughtful reflection on the life of one of the most influential street artists whose work continues to inspire artists today.

Injecting the viewer into the heart of New York's rough and rebellious art culture, Shadowman acts as both an insightful biography of Richard Hambleton and as a commentary on the changing dynamics of the art world. The film is a riveting blend of mystery, art, and human resilience that will appeal to enthusiasts of contemporary art, as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted documentary. Shadowman is a testament to the life of Richard Hambleton, whose shadows on New York's walls live on, reminding us all of the enigma that once walked among us.