Americart 2019

Americart 2019 is a distinctive documentary film of 2020, conceptualized and created by the director, Eylem Levelt. This unique film is a love letter to the United States, as seen through the lens of its folkloric tradition of art fairs and the vibrant, diverse artists who participate in them.

The documentary takes its audience on a sweeping journey across the length and breadth of America, visiting the humble or vivacious, quiet or bustling, art fairs that dot the land. By taking the pulse of the artistic heartbeat of the country, Americart 2019 offers a stunning insight into the widespread, yet frequently disregarded, art fair culture.

Levelt's keen-eyed direction uncovers the untold stories of the people behind the stalls: the artists. These artists hail from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, mirroring the diversity of America itself. Through personal interviews and intimate conversations, the film explores their lives, their inspirings, the intricacies of their craft, and their bonding with the art seekers, collectors, and the interested public flocking to the fairs.

Americart 2019 interweaves these diverse narratives into a tapestry that reflects America's artistic soul. The film underlines the artists' commitment to their art, their struggle to structure a living out of it, and their pursuit to get their voice out into the world. It holds a mirror up to the American dream, juxtaposing its grandeur with the less-glamorous struggle of making that dream come true. In a clever way, the film points out how these hardworking artists are actually shaping the cultural and artistic landscapes of the United States.

Americart 2019's featured artists span a broad range of specialties, from painting and sculpture, photography and ceramics, to metalwork and performing arts. They represent the heartland of America - its small towns and big cities, and everything in between. They are the often-unnoticed ambassadors of the American spirit, which is innovative, industrious, and resilient.

The film does a humble justice to the art fair venues too, varying from quiet, leafy suburban parks to breathtaking waterfront vistas. The fairs seem to stand as cultural landmarks representing the soul of America. Levelt's picturesque cinematography, capturing the charm and allure of these locations, is among the primary highlights of Americart 2019.

The film, fulfilling the expectations of a travelogue-style documentary, is pleasingly interspersed with folk music and anecdotes from the journey. Levelt’s directorial vision leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for these passionate artists and the fairs that showcase their work.

Americart 2019 also serves as a commentary on America's receptivity to arts, stressing on the need for artistic literacy and demanding a reconsideration of the value we place on art in society. The dialogues that Levelt generates through her subjects are pointed towards painting a broad picture of America’s artistic environment, which combines the intrinsic human need for beauty and expression with the practical problems of funding and public engagement.

A particularly strong facet of the film is its deftly-handled exploration of the economic aspects of the art world. Americart 2019 discusses the financial logistics that underpin these art fairs, giving perspective to both the artists' struggle and the industry that exists to support them.

Overall, Americart 2019 serves as a testament to the art fairs' vital role in shaping American culture, valuing the artists who populate their stalls, and the resilient spirit that keeps them going. The film manages to serve a dual purpose: It acts as an homage to the artists and their art, as well as a critique of the socio-economic factors affecting their prospects.

Engaging, enlightening, and enriched with raw emotions, Americart 2019 provides a refreshing exploration of America's cultural landscape. The journey it takes us on is both visually and intellectually stimulating. It tackles complex themes with an easy-going narrative approach, making it a compelling watch for art enthusiasts, socio-cultural observers, and movie lovers alike.