Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack

Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack is a 2019 biographical documentary chronicling the life and work of the trailblazing artist, Audrey Flack, who stands out as a leading figure in photorealism, a movement that emerged within American art in the late 1960s. The film provides an intimate and compelling insight into her career spanning over seven decades, right from her early days in New York’s Abstract Expressionist scene to her eventual evolution into the first photorealist painter to be recognized in the New York art world.

Directed by accomplished filmmaker, Deborah Shaffer, and co-directed by the artist’s daughter, Jessica Shaffer Goodkind, who also writes the script, the documentary provides an unprecedented look at the artist's persona both in her professional and personal lives. It blends archival footage, contemporary filming, and voiceovers from Flack herself to present a vivid picture of an artist often overshadowed by her male contemporaries.

Flack’s career trajectory is interestingly discussed in the film, highlighting her journey as she defied convention, etching her name in the world of abstract expressionism dominated predominantly by men. As the only woman in the acutely male-dominated Photorealist Movement, Flack dramatically broke away from it in her 50s to experiment with scintillating and uniquely crafted sculptures that were evidently different from her previous works.

The film manages to maintain an excellent balance between Flack’s professional career and her personal life. From being a hardworking single mother to a devoted artist, the documentary portrays her as a pioneer who broke barriers and overcame not just the biases within the art world, but also the struggles and trials of her personal life. Her deep resilience and undying passion towards art inspire not just aspiring artists but every woman who dares to dream and break societal expectations.

Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack does not solely focus on the artist's successes. It also reflects on her challenges which gives an expansion on Flack's life. The documentary includes a compelling account of her art piece “shavasana,” which supposedly drove Flack to retreat from making art temporarily. It's a thoughtful look inside the mind of an artist dealing with critique and the weight of expectation. Audrey; however, remains undeterred as she emerges back into mainstream artistry with her newer, unique, and bronze casts sculptures.

In a distinctive manner, the film taps into those hidden aspects of Flack’s life, her thoughts, her psyche which she never shared with others. Her battles – both professional and personal, her triumph over adversities, her transitions in style of artwork, all blend seamlessly forming a singular narrative of an extraordinary woman’s journey.

Through the course of the film, the audience is taken on a visual journey of Flack’s exquisite creations. Her photorealist paintings like "Jolie Madame", "Lady of the Evening", and "World War II (Vanitas)" are featured prominently and the narrative accompanies the viewer through the details and realism, engaging the viewer in her remarkable talent. Similarly, her symbolic sculptures such as "Islandia, Goddess of the Healing Waters" and "Civitas, Goddess of Citizenship" are also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of her unique artistic journey.

While primarily revolving around Flack, the film also indirectly comments on the broader art world and its evolution over the years – the shifts in styles, the reception of photo-realistic art, the gender biases and more; offering a comprehensive perspective of the art spectrum during Flack’s era.

Queen of Hearts: Audrey Flack manages to be both a heart-rending portrayal of an artist's life and a celebration of her indomitable spirit. The film not only provides an insightful biographical account but also serves as an inspiration for artists and non-artists alike. It is a spellbinding collection of Audrey Flack’s life – her triumphs, her failures, her challenges and her undying spirit – all narrated against the compelling backdrop of her extraordinary art.