I know very little about the art world and the business of art. From director Alejandro Alvarez Cadilla, Fisk, “Untitled Portrait” follows a seasoned artist on the cusp of becoming a high-priced artist as he risks everything to be represented by a world-renowned New York art dealer.
From the opening moments of Fisk, the plot of the documentation literally falls in the lap of filmmaker Cadilla. It opens with the first interview with Fisk for the doc, which is interrupted by a phone call from Fisk’s Canadian dealer basically firing him.
Fisk is most known for his photorealistic art. He takes common everyday objects, e.g., a rotary phone, motorcycle, camera, and briefcase. Take a photo of it on a white background and paints it really big on canvas.
“…about his approach to painting objects that could easily be photographed, blown up in Photoshop, and sold on its own.”
He has a respectable following in Canada validating his rightful place in the art world. His work takes a long time to complete, and it’s expensive. Cadilla gets into the mind of Fisk about his approach to painting objects that could easily be photographed, blown up in Photoshop, and sold on its own.
But most important, is Fisk’s struggle of working hard now sans any income in hopes of the elusive big payday down the road. The choice is difficult for anyone following their passion and has a family to feed.
Cadilla’s short is perfectly packaged as a 19-minute short. Fisk is a fascinating and introspective subject, especially during this time of financial crisis for his family.
Fisk, “Untitled Portrait” (2018) Directed by Alejandro Alvarez Cadilla. Featuring William Fisk. Fisk, “Untitled Portrait” screened at the 2018 Newport Beach Film Festival.
3.5 out of 5 stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAuxglzfrDM
