A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone

A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone is an encapsulating documentary that puts the spotlight on the life and work of an indomitable artist and activist, Edythe Boone. The film documents her enduring commitment to social justice and the power of art as a tool for change. It provides a riveting exploration of her life experiences, artistry, and unyielding will to effect change against the backdrop of systemic racial oppression in the United States.

Born into a low-income African American family, Edythe Boone’s story is one of resilience and transformation. From her early years experiencing poverty and racial discrimination, she made the decision to utilize her passion for painting as a pathway to voice out the concerns of her community and subtly and powerfully challenge the societal status quo. The film pulls back the curtain on her life, taking viewers on a journey through her humble beginnings, personal struggles, and eventually her rise as an influential figure in the mural arts movement.

Edythe Boone is renowned for her exquisite murals, which litter various spaces across New York and California. These riveting pieces of art carry poignant messages, sparking conversations, bridging cultural divides, and advocating for social justice. The film allows the viewers to witness the vision and process behind these inspirational murals, simultaneously inviting them to better understand and appreciate Edythe's unique style and approach to art.

In the documentary, we witness how Boone, as an artist, employs vibrant storytelling and a colorful palette to transform bleak urban spaces into vibrant tapestries of cultural identity, community experiences, struggle, and hope. This is epitomized in the iconic "MaestraPeace Mural" which she co-created on the Women's Building in San Francisco, as a powerful proclamation of women's contributions in the world.

While the film focuses significantly on Boone's creative process, it also underscores her conviction that art can be a potent tool for personal and community transformation. Boone firmly believes that everyone can unleash their creative potentials, empowering local communities, particularly marginalized groups, by engaging them in the creation of public art. She not only shatters the traditional paradigms about graffiti and street art but also uplifts her community by encouraging them to tell their own stories.

As an educator, Boone passes on her skills and philosophy to a diverse pool of students, underscoring the idea that everyone has the ability to create art. One of the documentary highlights is seeing Boone in action, teaching aspiring artists in schools and community centers, granting a first-hand view of her not just as an artist but as a mentor who uses her art for pedagogical purposes. Her skillful interactions with her students reveal her motherly nature and her fierce desire to uplift those around her.

However, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the tragedies that struck Boone's personal life. Audiences see the connection between her art and her private pain, putting on full display her vulnerability and strength. The documentary is not just a celebration of her life's work; it is also an indomitable quest for racial equality and justice, which are deeply personal for Boone and the communities she represents.

The filmmaker Marlene "Mo" Morris deftly weaves a compelling narrative in A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone. Through interviews, verite scenes, and a rich collection of archival footage and photographs, Morris paints an intimate, empathetic portrait of Boone, successfully encapsulating her resilience, compassion, and infectious spirit. The documentary is executed with care, casting a light not only on Boone's significant role as an artist and activist, but also on the ongoing struggle for social justice in America.

Overall, A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone is an inspirational narrative about the power of art to break barriers, address social issues, empower communities, and inspire personal and collective change. It celebrates Boone's journey as a champion of equality, an advocate for her community, and a matriarch to her family. At the same time, it reinforces the crucial role of art in sparking dialogue, fostering understanding, and promoting social justice. This film is a tribute to a vibrant personality, an influential artist, and a powerful woman who dared to paint her way to change.