With Peter Bradley

But Bradley’s tolerance and ability to focus on formal education were low, and he left most schooling before spending much time in the academic environment. This includes a stint at Yale University. Instead, he preferred the company of working artists and landed as a curator, artist, and the first Black art dealer on Madison Avenue, at the prestigious Perls Galleries. As Bradley reels out his life story throughout With Peter Bradley, he casually drops the names of luminaries of the art world he encountered. He’s met everyone from André Emmerich, Adger Cowans, Alexander Calder, and so many more.

The general public in the 1970s was not terribly interested in abstract art. The art world was less than enthusiastic about a Black abstract artist. Yet, there were those in the business who were enamored with Bradley’s talent and style. He carried himself with a brash confidence that opened many doors long enough to show even reluctant critics that his work was the real thing. In 1971 Bradley was curator of what is thought to be the first integrated modern art show in America: The DeLuxe Show in Texas. As he tells it, the show was conceived in direct response to racial politics in the art world at the time, with the express purpose of showing abstract color field work by artists of different racial backgrounds. It was wildly popular.

“…an intimate portrait…”

With Peter Bradley then moves into the 1980s, when Bradley fell out of favor and onto hard times. He was even homeless for a brief spell. He ultimately moved his work out of Manhattan and into an 18th-century stone house in the Hudson Valley. Recently there’s been a renewed interest in his art, and he’s begun to have gallery showings again. Once this documentary is out in the world, the demand is sure to expand even more.

Bradley’s art is as alive as the flowers in his backyard that inspire him. He’s prolific, energetic, salty, and his mind is crystal clear. He delivers a treasure trove of anecdotes from New York in the 70s featuring names and places you know and some you don’t. More importantly, the man is fun to spend time with. He’s boisterous, charming, and effusive about his adventures, and at an advanced age, still looking forward. Even for viewers with little interest in art, Bradley’s life story is an amazing journey and reveals as much about the culture of the time as it does about the artist.

With Peter Bradley is an intimate portrait of an overlooked artist and gives insight into the racism that held him back from mastering the business. This is a documentary in its purest form: one subject speaking and showing us his life and work. It is riveting. Rappoport’s collaboration with the artist is startling. The filmmaker has his subject completely at ease and just shoots him recounting his brilliant life like an old friend telling stories.

With Peter Bradley screened at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival.