Canadian Premiere
No artist calls attention to light and space like the legendary Robert Irwin, who has been singular to his minimalist vision for decades. Instilling a sense of the sublime, Irwin is known for his ability to reframe the ordinary into something awe-inspiring. Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling provides rare views of the artist’s astonishing body of work, including paintings, installations, and site-specific environments. It likewise follows the creation of the artist’s latest piece, a revisiting of the ruins of a military hospital in Marfa, Texas. Elusive yet down to earth, Irwin is a true original, eschewing the art market and favouring simplicity in an age of excess. His art is ephemeral and experiential, it cannot be bought, sold, or hung on walls. Director Jennifer Lane has crafted a stunning portrait of one of the most important and influential contemporary artists of our age; the film features fascinating archival footage, and interviews with fellow artists and writers. A treat to the eye, and an inspiration to the mind.
Presented by
Series Media Partner
Community Partner
Robert Irwin
USA
2022
English
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits
Executive Producer
Carolyn Pfeiffer, Nancy P. Saunders
Producer
Jennifer Lane, Joseph Cashiola, David Hollander
Screenwriter
Jennifer Lane
Cinematography
Layton Blaylock, Joseph Cashiola, Joan Churchill, David Hollander, Rick Siegel
Original Music
Fredrico De Caroli
Director
Jennifer Lane
Jennifer Lane is a director and film producer. Lane’s short films have been screened at the UCLA Hammer Museum, the Austin Film Society, the Miami International Film Festival, Antimatter and many other galleries, museums and festivals. Her debut feature film, Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling is her first feature as a director and editor. She is the Co-Founder of CineMarfa, a film festival that showcases artist made films, archives, and other rarely screened films.
Portraits
See more films in this series:
Robert Irwin: A Desert of Pure Feeling
No artist instills a sense of sublime awe like the legendary Robert Irwin, Elusive yet down to earth, Irwin is a true original. His extraordinary work is honored in this stunning portrait of one of the most influential contemporary artists of our age.
A Cooler Climate
In a recollection of veteran filmmaker James Ivory's unfinished film about Afghanistan. Old footage provides a pronounced air of mystery to compliment its rough beauty, setting the scene for a look back into Ivory's life.
Apolonia, Apolonia
Filmed over thirteen years, viewers follow Apolonia Sokol's seemingly storybook life. In a portrait of the vibrant, charismatic force that is Apolonia, in tandem with a remarkable document of the creative interplay between the filmmaker and her subject.
Caiti Blues
In a deserted mining town, 29-year-old Caiti Lord faces existential ennui. As her childhood aspirations feel impossible, Lord has taken a life as a struggling singer songwriter, working at her local bar. Captured through the quiet rhythms of her hometown.
Call Me Dancer
When a self-taught street dancer struggles in the search for paid work, his raw determination and artistic passion pushes him to attend classical training. Call Me Dancer is a fight for a dream despite all odds.
It's Only Life After All
For many growing up in the 1990s, Indigo Girls was the band that defined a generation, admired for their unique alt-folk sound, and gender norm defiance. In a recollection of their 40-year career, their legacy is solidified through earnest interviews.
PIANOFORTE
A thrilling glimpse into what it takes to compete in the renowned International Chopin Competition, which takes place every five years and can bestow overnight fame on the victor. This doc conveys the nerves, camaraderie and of course the glorious music.
Invisible Beauty
Since her breakout as one of the most high-profile Black models in the 1970s, fashion world titan Bethann Hardison has advocated for diversity both on and off the runway. This elegant documentary traces her attempt to revolutionize the fashion world.
Sculpting the Giant
This remarkable film documents a 28-year quest for glory. Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta’s goal is to build the world’s largest brass and copper structure. To do so, he must contend with public opposition, and political turmoil.
