Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawings

Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawings is a 2010 documentary film that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey into the world of renowned American artist Sol LeWitt, who, for over forty years, had been at the forefront of conceptual and minimalist art. The film is directed by Edgar B. Howard and directed by Tom Piper.

This film, rather than choosing a cradle-to-grave narrative, delves into a deeper exploration of LeWitt's famous body of work, Wall Drawings. This series is recognized for its awe-inspiring variety, depth, scale, and the endless possibilities it offers for interpretation. The director beautifully documents the creation, installation, and display of these masterpieces.

The focal point of this comprehensive art documentary is the massive exhibition of LeWitt’s drawings held in 2008-2009 at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), where almost one hundred works covered nearly three stories of the museum’s old factory walls. It also showcases other exhibitions scattered across the globe, conveying the widespread influence and recognition LeWitt's work has garnered.

One of the highlights of this documentary is two key figures, Andrea Miller-Keller and Anthony Sansotta, who play a crucial role in the creation and installation of these wall drawings.

Andrea Miller-Keller, an art curator whose association with LeWitt goes back decades, comes across as a passionate advocate of his work. She shares deep personal anecdotes, providing context to LeWitt's thoughts and ideas during the evolution of his work.

Then there's Anthony Sansotta, LeWitt’s longtime associate and collaborator. Sansotta takes viewers through the process of installing wall drawings – from choosing paints and determining techniques, to training the team and making sure the installations align with the artist's vision. He gives tangible form to LeWitt's instructions, thereby making the abstract tangible.

Notably, the documentary also includes interviews with many contemporary artists, critics, and others who have been influenced or inspired by LeWitt's work. This not only enlarges the film's perspective but also offers diverse viewpoints on LeWitt's artistry and his enduring impact on the contemporary world of art. The film only alludes to LeWitt's personal life and personality indirectly, by tangentially exploring his artistry.

The documentary vibrantly documents how Sol LeWitt’s revolutionary and daringly abstract ideas came to life on the walls of galleries worldwide. As LeWitt himself did not execute his designs on walls but provided instructions, the actual physical work was done by others, and the movie carefully illuminates this process.

Using this unique format, the film underscores the democratic nature of LeWitt’s artistic philosophy. His belief that the idea is the most critical aspect of art led him to extend the creative process to people unrelated to him, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time.

The film is both an exploration and celebration of LeWitt's work, bringing to life the thrill of creating art and the intellectual challenges it presents. It presents plenty of food for thought, thanks to its unpretentious and approachable style.

In essence, Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawings may appeal to everyone, from art scholars to ordinary viewers. The art lovers would enjoy the opportunity to take a plunge into LeWitt's radical artwork, at the same time the casual audiences might find the documentary an interesting introduction to LeWitt's work and the conceptual art movement.

So, even ten years after it was made, Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawings remains a vital source of inspiration in the world of conceptual art. Each layer of LeWitt's art philosophy is skilfully unpicked and presented, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the artist who strived, with great success, to reconcile mind and hand in the act of creation.