Watch Popaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English

Popaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English is a 2005 documentary film that explores the life and work of Ron English, an American street artist and subversive culture jammer. The film is directed by Pedro Carvajal and features interviews with English himself, as well as other prominent figures in the street art community such as Shepard Fairey. The film is an insightful and thought-provoking look at the life and art of one of the most fascinating figures in the world of street art.

The film begins by introducing the audience to English's work and his unique approach to street art. English is known for his use of parody and satire in his art, often taking well-known images and twisting them into something unexpected. This approach has made him one of the most controversial and polarizing figures in the street art community, but it has also earned him a dedicated following of fans who appreciate his bold and irreverent style.

Throughout the film, we learn about English's early life and how he got his start in the world of art. English began his career as a traditional painter, but he soon became fascinated with the idea of art as a means of social and political commentary. In the 1980s, he began to experiment with street art, using the walls and billboards of New York City as his canvas.

The film also explores some of English's most famous works, including his iconic image of Abraham Lincoln as a clown, known as "Abraham Obama." This image became a viral sensation during the 2008 US presidential election and cemented English's status as one of the most important voices in the world of street art.

Throughout the film, we see English at work, creating new pieces of art and engaging with his fellow artists and fans. We also see the darker side of his work, including his run-ins with the law and his battles with corporations who have tried to co-opt his art for their own purposes.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the relationship between art and commerce. English's work has often been co-opted by corporations looking to tap into the rebellious and subversive spirit of street art, and the film asks whether this dilutes the power and impact of his work.

Ultimately, Popaganda is a fascinating and engaging look at one of the most important figures in the world of street art. Filled with stunning visuals, insightful interviews, and an engaging and thought-provoking narrative, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and culture. Whether you're a long-time fan of Ron English or just discovering his work for the first time, Popaganda is a film that will leave you captivated and inspired.

Popaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.