Watch Art Bastard

Art Bastard is a 2016 documentary film directed by Victor Kanefsky. The film explores the life and work of New York-based painter and artist, Robert Cenedella. Art Bastard is an ode to the artist Robert Cenedella, who is a self-described "art bastard" because of his approach to art that he describes as an outsider. The film traces the life of Robert Cenedella, who was born in 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts. The film shows how he grew up in a family of artists, surrounded by famous painters and art lovers. Robert's father Arthur Cenedella, a painter and sculptor, introduced him to art, inspiring him to pursue it as a career. Robert later attended the School of Visual Arts in New York, where he studied under the legendary artists like Frank Reilly and Ben Shahn. Later, he went on to study mime and acting at Jacques Lecoq's school in Paris.

Art Bastard highlights the struggles and controversies Robert faced throughout his career. Robert Cenedella is known for his edgy and satirical approach to art. He was a part of the social realist movement in the 1960s, which was concerned with depicting reality and the harshness of life. His paintings are critical of society, politics, and the art establishment, which made him a controversial figure in the art world.

The film shows how Robert created his own path as an artist, refusing to bow down to the art establishment. Despite the mainstream art world's opposition, Robert continued to create art that spoke to the masses. He was ahead of his time in his critique of mainstream American culture, which would later be reflected in the work of more renowned artists like Banksy.

Art Bastard features interviews with Richard Armstrong, director of the Guggenheim Museum; art critic Hilton Kramer; art collector and dealer John Simon; and many other prominent figures in the art world. The film provides an eye-opening glimpse into the world of contemporary art, especially the New York art scene in the 1960s and 70s.

The film also highlights Robert's passion for teaching and nurturing young artists. He founded the Art Students League’s School of Visual Arts and served as its director for over a decade. Robert Cenedella also taught at Cornell University and the National Academy of Design.

Art Bastard is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that will appeal to art lovers and anyone interested in the creative process. The film is a personal and intimate portrait of an artist who broke the rules and paved the way for younger generations of artists. Art Bastard is a must-see documentary that shows how one man's vision and determination can transform the world of art forever.

Art Bastard is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 70.