Image via Complex Original
There's nothing like kicking back to enjoy a film in the comfort of your own home, thanks to the magic of Netflix instant streaming. Art documentaries and films are a great place to start, and you'd be surprised at how many amazing titles the service has. If you want to up your art knowledge on everything from origami to art collecting and art scandals, our list of The 10 Best Art Documentaries Streaming On Netflix Right Now is where it's at.
PressPausePlay
PressPausePlay
Director: David Dworsky and Victor Köhler
Year Released: 2011
PressPausePlay focuses on the democratized culture surrounding the digital revolution. It succeeds in its interviews with the top creators across mediums, creating a real dialogue around times that are moving faster than we've ever known.
Between the Folds
Between the Folds
Director: Vanessa Gould
Year Released: 2008
Between the Folds is an amazing film about the past, present, and future of origami-making. It shows how scientists and fine artists have transformed origami from a craft to a career.
The Art of the Steal
The Art of the Steal
Director: Don Argott
Year Released: 2009
The Art of the Steal chronicles the financial issues of the Barnes Foundation, which contains a collection of Modernist and Post-Impressionist art. While it's about Barnes' will and the implications of breaking it, it sparks a greater conversation about about the art world and theft.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child
Director: Tamra Davis
Year Released: 2009
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child uses brilliant interviews and archival footage to celebrate the neo-expressionist work and legacy of the late artist. Director Tamra Davis, a close friend of his, makes it a point to show Basquiat's struggle as an artist, his charismatic personality, and the lasting importance of his collection.
Eames: The Architect and The Painter
Eames: The Architect and The Painter
Director: Jason Cohn, Bill Jersey
Year Released: 2011
Eames: The Architect and The Painter tells the story of America's most influential industrial designers, husband and wife, Charles and Ray Eames. It contains interviews with their friends and design experts, in addition to exclusive archives of their work.
Herb & Dorothy
Herb & Dorothy
Director: Megumi Sasaki
Year Released: 2008
Herb & Dorothy tells the story of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, the legendary art collecting couple. Herb, a mailman, and Dorothy, a librarian, managed to build one of the most impressive and important contemporary art collections of our time. In the wake of Herb Vogel's unfortunate passing, this film is a lesson in defying the supposed limitations of money and following one's passion.
The Universe of Keith Haring
The Universe of Keith Haring
Director: Christina Clausen
Year Released: 2008
The strength of The Universe of Keith Haring is in its interviews, with everyone from Jeffrey Deitch to David LaChapelle and Yoko Ono. Most people don't realize that Haring came from very humble beginnings in Pennsylvania before moving to New York and experiencing a quick rise to art stardom.
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Director: Banksy
Year Released: 2010
Exit Through The Gift Shop is a film by street artist, Banksy, telling the story of French documentarian Thierry Guetta's obsession with street art. The film takes unexpected twists and turns, ultimately telling Thierry's story, as well as the trajectory of street art itself.
Objectified
Objectified
Director: Gary Hustwit
Year Released: 2007
Objectified is a quality film exploring the way humans relate to manufactured objects and the people who design them. Whether highlighting toothbrushes or tech gadgets, the film is a greater conversation about how consumerism influences our individual and social identities.
Helvetica
Helvetica
Director: Gary Hustwit
Year Released: 2007
Helvetica is a film about typography and graphic design, centered around discussion of the font, Helvetica, itself. It was released in 2007, on the 50th anniversary of the typeface's release in 1957. It has awesome interviews with leading graphic and type designers, such as Massimo Vignelli, Rick Poynor, and Stefan Sagmeister. As a whole, Helvetica champions the beauty, ubiquity, and perfection of the font, in an entertaining and humorous way.