Watch The Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery

The Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery is a documentary film that explores the emergence of contemporary art in Los Angeles during the 1950s and 1960s. The film delves into the history of the Ferus Art Gallery, a small avant-garde art space that played a significant role in introducing some of the most iconic artists of the time to the public.

The documentary is narrated by Jeff Bridges, and features interviews with many of the key players in the art scene of the time, such as Ed Ruscha, Billy Al Bengston, Larry Bell, and Dennis Hopper. The film also weaves in archival footage, photographs, and artwork from the era, bringing to life the vibrant and experimental spirit of the time.

The Cool School begins by giving the audience a sense of the artistic landscape in Los Angeles during the 1950s. At that time, New York was considered the center of the art world, and many artists felt that it was difficult to break through the barriers of the established artistic elite. However, a group of artists in Los Angeles were beginning to experiment with new forms, mediums, and techniques, and were pushing the boundaries of what art could be.

The documentary then introduces the Ferus Art Gallery, which was founded in 1957 by Walter Hopps and Ed Kienholz. The gallery was initially located in a small storefront on La Cienega Boulevard, and quickly became a hub for the new and exciting art scene that was emerging in Los Angeles. Hopps and Kienholz were avant-garde thinkers, and were not afraid to take risks and showcase experimental art that other galleries were reluctant to show.

The film explores some of the seminal exhibitions that were held at the Ferus Art Gallery, such as the 1957 show featuring the work of Wallace Berman, which was shut down by police due to its alleged obscenity. The gallery also hosted the first exhibition of Pop Art in Los Angeles, featuring the work of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. The film provides insight into how the artists were supported and nurtured by the gallery owners and the collectors who attended their exhibitions.

The documentary also examines the community of artists who were associated with the Ferus Art Gallery. Many of the artists who showed at Ferus were friends and collaborators, and there was a sense of camaraderie and support within the community. The film features interviews with artists such as Larry Bell and Billy Al Bengston, who recall their time at Ferus with fondness and nostalgia. Additionally, the film explores the interesting relationship between the artists and their patrons, particularly the wealthy collectors who were attracted to the innovative art being produced at Ferus.

The Cool School is not just a film about art, however. It also explores the cultural and political context of the time, particularly the impact of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. The documentary shows how artists were pushing back against the establishment and challenging traditional norms in all aspects of life, not just in art.

Overall, the Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery is a fascinating and engaging documentary that sheds light on a pivotal moment in the history of contemporary art. The film captures the spirit of the time, and provides a glimpse into the creative minds of the artists who were breaking new ground in Los Angeles in the 1950s and 1960s. Whether you are an art lover or just appreciate a well-made documentary, The Cool School is definitely worth checking out.

The Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.