Mr. Dial Has Something to Say

Mr. Dial Has Something to Say is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that aired on the Ovation Channel in 2007. As an hour-long documentary, it provides a groundbreaking insight into the life and works of Thornton Dial, a contemporary American artist renowned for creating large-scale, vibrant and dynamic compositions out of waste materials. Part intimate biography and part art appreciation, each episode offers viewers an immersive exploration of art, race, inequality, and personal expression—all themes intrinsically woven into Dial's work.

As a self-taught artist, Dial started his artistic career later in life—after retiring from his job as a metalworker. His talent for transforming everyday trash into evocative and passionate monumental canvases caught the attention of the art world. This documentary focuses on this lesser-known aspect of the American art scene—celebrating the power and impact of so-called "outsider art."

Throughout the documentary series, viewers are taken on an intimate journey through Dial's life, from his humble beginnings in rural Alabama to his recognition as one of the most important self-taught artists of his generation. The viewers get an intricate look at his process, and how he crafts meaning and message out of discarded materials. The series serves as a testament not only to Dial's talent but also to his resilience and persistence in the face of hardships and societal barriers.

Dial's creativity spans beyond visual aesthetics. Each artwork beautifully bares moments of history, emotions, and everyday life, all birthed from the hands of this skilled creator. The series provides an insightful analysis of Dial's works—exploring how he uses his art as a form of social commentaries that highlight themes of racism, class struggles, and the often overlooked realities of the American South.

However, Mr. Dial Has Something to Say is much more than just an exploration of Dial's personal life and creative process. It also includes reflective interviews with individuals who have closely interacted with or have been impacted by Dial's work. Art critics, museum curators, private collectors, renowned academics, and fellow artists all provide insight and interpretation, showing the profound impact of Dial's body of work on the art industry and community.

Moreover, this biographical documentary does not shy away from engaging with the challenging dialogue between art, class, and race. The series delves into the controversial topic of how the art world's elite often dismissed Dial's work—and the broader genre of outsider art—due to its origins outside of formal academic training and traditional art circles. It touches upon societal prejudices and the struggle of artists like Dial to be acknowledged and respected by institutions and critics. This thought-provoking discourse is mixed with personal and professional triumphs and struggles of Dial, painting a rich tapestry of his life journey as an artist.

In essence, the documentary celebrates Dial and his unparalleled ability to arrest complex issues of politics, socio-cultural narratives, and human emotions in found objects. It reveals Dial's talent for transforming ordinary materials into powerful artistic statements, marking him out as a significant cultural and artistic figure, while offering a unique lens into America's recent history as a whole.

The documental series also does not shy away from Dial's personal life, offering snippets of his life outside of art, in which he was a family man dedicated to his loved ones in the face of adversity. Dial's resilience, spirit, and dedication to art serve as an inspiration—for both artists and laymen alike.

Mr. Dial Has Something to Say was a well-received series that managed to draw in, engage, and inspire audiences with its intimate portrayal of Dial's life and work, and its broader discussion of art's role and recognition in society. As a documentary, it's an enlightening, informative, and deeply emotional experience that shines a spotlight on one of America's most profound and overlooked artistic voices.

It's not just about art. It's about resilience. It's about taking the discarded, the overlooked and transforming them into something powerful and meaningful. So tune in, because, indeed, Mr. Dial surely has something important to say.