Aggie

Aggie is an intimate, thought-provoking, and engaging documentary from 2020 that features the life of the renowned art collector and philanthropist, Agnes 'Aggie' Gund. The film, directed by Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund, is unique because the filmmaker is Aggie's daughter, offering a personal lens to the narrative. The film stars Agnes Gund herself, Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the iconic filmmaker and actor, John Waters.

Aggie is a trailblazing documentary that delves into the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of Agnes Gund's life. The film’s powerful narrative takes a deep dive into Aggie’s journey as an art collector, her personal evolution, and the passion that inspired her remarkable moves. It brings to focus her assertive effort to address a range of social issues using art as a medium.

Agnes Gund, a white woman, has been visible in the art world for decades. Known for her unparalleled collection of modern and contemporary art, Aggie, as she is affectionately known, inhabited the art universe with grace, becoming one of the most revered figures in the world of American contemporary art, starting from her early years at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to her now legendary status as a collector and patron.

However, Aggie presents a more nuanced perspective on her life, particularly focusing on her more recent efforts as a social justice warrior. The film uses her story to construct a larger dialogue on racial disparity in America, underlining Aggie’s commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement and criminal justice reform. A significant part of the narrative revolves around the "Art for Justice Fund," an initiative launched by Agnes Gund herself, committing $100 million from selling her personal art collection to fund art-related initiatives to combat mass incarceration in the United States.

The film constructs Aggie’s insider-outsider status in the art world with affection and insight, exploring her interests in the avant-garde art scene while maintaining a critical distance from the financial hyper-speculation that characterizes it. It captures how her commitment arises from both an appreciation of the work itself and a deep belief in the transformative power of art.

Supporting Aggie is Thelma Golden, another influential figure in the world of art. Her interviews and interactions with Aggie, highlighting their shared understanding and dedication to art as a catalyst for social change, bring depth to the narrative. Art world enfant terrible John Waters, another significant figure in the film, provides a unique counterpoint to Aggie with his irreverent cynicism and humor. This balance beautifully underlines the varied emotional tones and voices of the art world depicted in the documentary.

Additionally, Aggie stands out as a tender family portrait. Catherine Gund uses a trove of never-before-seen home videos, intimate sit-down interviews, and exclusive footage of Agnes Gund's art collection to paint a detailed picture of her mother. It impressively reveals the profound influence of Agnes Gund's life on her children, and vice versa, uncovering personal anecdotes and shared memories. Catherine's interviews with her mother are jam-packed with warmth, joy, and candor, making it an endearing and moving tribute to a mother from her daughter.

The artful production design, evocative cinematography, and immersive storytelling put the spotlight on Aggie's profound dedication to social justice and art. Through Aggie's charismatic screen presence and eloquent testimonials, Aggie is less a traditional art documentary and more an exploration of the multifaceted life of a woman who believes firmly in the power of art to effect significant social change.

In conclusion, Aggie is much more than a documentary about contemporary art; it is a compassionate study of a remarkable woman’s commitment to justice, equality, and the transformative power of art. The film intricately weaves Aggie’s personal biography, her passion for art, and her dedication to social justice into a memorable cinematic tapestry that leaves no viewer untouched. It is an educative, celebratory, and thought-provoking encounter with one of the art world's most influential and generous leaders.