Fraenkel Gallery, located in San Francisco, has teamed up with Metrograph in New York City to present an exciting film series featuring selections from six of its represented artists. This event will run from May 8 to May 17, with additional encore screenings planned.
The series will kick off with artist Carrie Mae Weems showcasing the critically acclaimed film No Country for Old Men (2007). Weems will introduce the film and engage in a Q&A session with director Joel Coen during the premiere on May 8, highlighting themes of power and violence that resonate within her artistic practice.
"Fraenkel Gallery Presents" originated in 2024, when the gallery hosted its first film festival at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco. Gallery director Christian Whitworth expressed enthusiasm about the series, stating, "It's been a wonderful way to bring people together while supporting independent cinema." This initiative offers a unique perspective on the cinematic preferences of visual artists.
The collaboration aligns with the gallery's pop-up exhibition, "Whipped Cream & Other Delights," set to take place at Ortuzar in Tribeca from May 9 to May 21, featuring the same six artists involved in the film series. All proceeds from the film screenings will support Metrograph.
Metrograph's programming director, Inge de Leeuw, shared excitement about the partnership, noting that the San Francisco festival showcased a remarkable selection of films curated by contemporary artists. She believes that the Metrograph audience will appreciate the engaging discussions that will accompany the screenings.
In addition to Weems's selection, the series includes a variety of films such as The Face of Another (1996) by Hiroshi Sugimoto, The Naked Kiss (1964) chosen by Nan Goldin, and North by Northwest (1959) selected by Lee Friedlander.
Notably, Martine Gutierrez has chosen the animated classic Princess Mononoke (1997) from renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, emphasizing the film's themes of nature and spirituality in contrast to industrialization. Meanwhile, Wardell Milan will present the horror film Hereditary (2018), which he describes as a profound exploration of family trauma.
This innovative film series not only celebrates the intersection of visual art and cinema but also fosters community engagement through shared experiences. As artists curate their film choices, audiences are invited to explore the diverse influences shaping contemporary art and culture.
As this collaboration unfolds, it exemplifies the potential for art and cinema to inspire dialogue and connection, paving the way for future artistic endeavors that bridge multiple disciplines.
