Watch An Art That Nature Makes: The Work Of Rosamond Purcell

An Art That Nature Makes: The Work Of Rosamond Purcell is an extraordinary documentary film released in 2015, directed by Molly Bernstein, that takes us on a captivating journey through the life and work of Rosamond Purcell, a renowned and accomplished photographer, and artist, who gained global recognition for her evocative, unique and often enigmatic images of the natural world, which blur the boundary between art, science, and history.

The film unfolds over the course of 75 minutes and invites the viewers to immerse themselves into Purcell's fascinating universe, as she discusses her creative process, inspirations and influences and shares anecdotes, memories, and insights about her life and prolific career.

The movie features an extensive collection of Purcell's stunning and haunting images, showcasing her unparalleled ability to transform ordinary, commonplace objects into mesmerizing, thought-provoking and beautiful works of art, steeped in symbolism, mystery and fascination.

The documentary is structured chronologically and takes us on a journey through Purcell's evolution as an artist, from her early years as a child growing up in a household filled with books, paintings, and music which would shape her outlook, and fuel her passion for seeking out beauty in the unexpected, to her forays into the worlds of anthropology, natural history, and archeology, which would inform her unique artistic vision and groundbreaking approach to photography.

Throughout the movie, Purcell reflects on her collaborations with scientists, historians, and writers, and the pivotal roles these relationships played in shaping her work, leading her to create some of the most unconventional and striking images ever captured by a camera. From her fascinating explorations of the collections of Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology, their vast collections of skeletons and preserved specimens, to her unique perspectives on discarded objects and abandoned spaces, Purcell's work is intense and rich, offering insights into the beauty of decay and the allure of the unusual.

One of the major themes of the documentary is the exploration of the concept of beauty and how artistic creativity is affected by it. By examining Purcell's work, we gain a deeper understanding of her unique interpretation of the natural world, the beauty she finds in the most unexpected places, and the complexities of her artistic process. Purcell's work stands out for its unique blend of intricate detail, nuance, and compelling narratives that invite viewers to engage with her pieces, explore them and ponder their myriad meanings.

With her personality shining through, Purcell shares her love of the strange and the unusual, the sense of mystery and ambiguity that informs her work, and the delight she finds in the unexpected. Her remarkable eye for detail and her ability to see beauty in the most unexpected places make her an artist like no other. She is someone who has dedicated her life to exploring the limits of photography and art, to push beyond what is visible to the naked eye and uncover deeper meanings within instances of life, memory, and decay.

Overall, An Art That Nature Makes: The Work Of Rosamond Purcell is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary that invites us to delve into the fascinating world of an unconventional artist and visionary. Through her unique perspective and stunning artistry, Purcell highlights the magic of the natural world and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. A true gem of a documentary that new and established art lovers will cherish.

An Art That Nature Makes: The Work Of Rosamond Purcell is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.