Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground

Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground is a documentary film directed by Chuck Smith and released in 2018. The movie immerses the viewer in the vibrant and eclectic art scene of New York's Lower East Side during the 1960s, focusing on one of its most groundbreaking and yet overlooked figures: Barbara Rubin.

Rubin was a young and ambitious artist who became a key figure in the underground cinema movement of the time, known for her innovative and provocative films that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. She was also a fervent activist, advocating for the integration of the arts and the promotion of gender and sexual freedom. Rubin's work and influence are still felt today, and this documentary aims to shed light on her life and legacy.

The film features interviews with many of Rubin's colleagues, friends, and collaborators, including Bob Dylan, Richard Foreman, and Allen Ginsberg, who share their memories and insights on the young artist. Through their testimonies, we get a glimpse of the dynamic and chaotic cultural scene of the time, where young and daring artists were experimenting with film, music, poetry, and performance, using art as a means of challenging the status quo and creating new forms of expression.

The movie also uses archive footage and images to showcase Rubin's art and document her journey as an artist and activist, from her early experiments with film to her travels around the world and her encounters with other influential artists of the time. We see how Rubin's work evolves and matures, from her early experiments with experimental films to her later works that address issues of gender, sexuality, and spirituality.

One of the main themes of the movie is Rubin's relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and creative independence, as well as her struggles and challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated field. Through her work and her activism, Rubin challenged the conventions of mainstream cinema and paved the way for future generations of artists to explore new forms of expression.

Overall, Barbara Rubin And The Exploding NY Underground is a fascinating and inspiring portrait of a truly remarkable artist and activist, whose legacy continues to inspire and influence today's cultural scene. The movie celebrates the spirit of creativity and experimentation that defined the 1960s, while also highlighting the challenges and obstacles that artists face in pursuing their vision. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of cinema, the counterculture of the 1960s, and the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom and expression.