NYCSUBWAY

I randomly watched The Story of Art in Alaska, as I realized that I don't know anything about art and artists in this state, and I was curious. I have been very moved by this documentary, featuring curated artists in three cities: Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Hoonah. Beautiful cinematography and excellent interviews by Film Director Christelle Bois. The artists featured really open their soul and explain very well their art practice in the context of Alaska Native culture. I learned a lot about Alaska's history, stuff that is not taight in school. Honestly, it made me want to travel to Alaska and discover by myself.

I'm not from Detroit, but I have been very moved by this film. No gimmicks, just raw interviews of incredible individuals talking with their guts about the hard to believe resilience of Detroit in the face of socio economic adversity. From rappers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, young politicians, artists, to even a Detroit police officer, all these people don't hide the truth and tell what the real Detroit is: a city with an unbreakable spirit. This is an "In your face" documentary with no compromise. Some very strong moments like the interview of the author of a book about sign language (The first with black characters), and two future political candidates who are planning to run for office at some point.

This docuseries gives an insight in the complex artistic creation process. The Film Director has perfectly captured the essence of art practice in small town America in ways never done before. This series has moved me a lot. Most of art-related documentaries are focused on well known artists and curators living in New York City or big art cities, and no one really is interested in exploring art practice in small American towns. The Story of Art in America made me discover artists I had no idea existed and that's the beauty of this series. A must-see for everyone interested in the arts, in particular art students and art professors.