Watch Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts

Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts is an insightful and poignant documentary film from 2019 that explores the life and work of self-taught artist Bill Traylor. Born into slavery in Alabama in 1854, Traylor only began to create art in his 80s, after a life of hardship and poverty. Using found materials like cardboard and old signs, Traylor produced thousands of drawings and paintings, depicting scenes from everyday life in the rural South, as well as fantastical creatures and abstract patterns.

Directed by Jeffrey Wolf, the film combines interviews with art historians, curators, and Traylor's descendants with stunning animations of his artwork, bringing to life the spirit and creativity of this remarkable artist. Narrated by acclaimed actor Russell G. Jones, the film takes us on a journey through Traylor's life, from his early years on a plantation to his later years in Montgomery, Alabama, where he sold his artwork on the street corner for pennies.

One of the key themes of the film is the way in which Traylor's artwork captures the essence of African American life in the Jim Crow South. As Greg Tate, an author and cultural critic, notes in the film, Traylor's work is not nostalgic, but rather, it speaks to a sense of resilience and creativity that defined the black experience in the face of racism and oppression. Traylor's drawings of people dancing, playing banjos, and walking to church are a celebration of black joy and culture, while his images of snakes, bats, and eerie landscapes suggest a deeper exploration of the human psyche.

Another fascinating aspect of the film is the way in which it explores the relationship between Traylor's artwork and the broader context of American art history. Despite his lack of formal training, Traylor's work has been compared to the likes of Picasso and Matisse, and has been exhibited in major museums around the world. At the same time, the film makes clear the ways in which Traylor's work challenges and subverts traditional categories of art and aesthetics, and speaks to a far more diverse and inclusive vision of cultural creativity.

Ultimately, Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts is a deeply moving and inspiring tribute to the power of art and creativity in the face of adversity. By shining a light on the life and work of this extraordinary artist, the film asks us to reconsider our assumptions about what it means to create something of value, and reminds us of the need to celebrate and treasure the voices and experiences of those who have been historically marginalized. Whether you are an art lover, a historian, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition, this film is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts is a 2021 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 7.0 and a MetaScore of 80.