Ep 11. Cutie and the Boxer

In season 28 episode 11 of POV, viewers are taken on a journey into the lives of married couple Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, two artists living in New York City. The episode, titled "Cutie and the Boxer," explores their passionate and tumultuous relationship as they both try to navigate the art world and make a name for themselves.

Ushio, a famous Japanese artist known for his "boxing" style, uses gloves and paint to create large and expressive canvases. Noriko, his wife, is a talented artist in her own right, but has long been overshadowed by her husband's fame. Despite this, Noriko remains dedicated to her art and is starting to come into her own as a successful artist.

The episode provides a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship, from their early days in Tokyo to their current lives in New York City. Through a combination of interviews, home videos, and footage of their daily lives, viewers are able to see the ups and downs of their marriage and how their art has impacted their lives.

Despite their artistic talent and passion, Ushio and Noriko face financial struggles. They struggle to pay rent on their cramped and cluttered studio, and Noriko is often forced to take on odd jobs to help make ends meet. But despite these challenges, they remain committed to their art and to each other.

The episode also takes a deep dive into Ushio's boxing style of art, which involves wearing boxing gloves and using them to apply paint to the canvas. This style is both physically demanding and emotionally charged, as Ushio uses his body and emotions to create his art. Viewers get a sense of the power and intensity of Ushio's work, which has been exhibited in galleries around the world.

As the episode progresses, viewers get a sense of how Ushio and Noriko's art and relationship have evolved over time. While Ushio has always been the more famous of the two, Noriko is starting to make a name for herself with her own unique style. This dynamic creates tension in their marriage, but also serves as inspiration for their work.

Overall, "Cutie and the Boxer" is a fascinating and intimate portrait of a marriage and the complexities of the art world. Viewers are sure to be drawn in by the emotional depth of the film and the incredible talent on display.