Last night, instead of bowling and knitting, a few of us went to the
Museum of Fine Arts to see a documentary film about the artist
Henry Darger, called
In the Realms of the Unreal.
A lot of books have been written about him. I had read
this one, by Michael Bonesteel.
This newer
book, by John M. MacGregor, looks like it might be pretty interesting.
Here is a review of it from
Salon.
I didn't learn very many new things about this artist from the film, except that Darger had also kept
a detailed weather journal for ten years.
The movie was described by the MFA as follows:
In the Realms of the Unreal by
Jessica Yu (2003, 81 min.).
In the Realms of the Unreal captures the haunting imprint of an extraordinary, ordinary man legendary
outsider artist Henry Darger. Reclusive janitor by day, visionary artist by night, Dargers magnum opus was a 15,000-page illustrated novel detailing the exploits of the Vivian Girls, seven angelic sisters who lead a rebellion against godless, child-enslaving men. Eschewing expert opinion, Jessica Yus film employs vivid animation and narration to immerse us in Dargers world and illuminate his artistic process. Brought to life on film, the works reverberate with universal themes: the search for meaning, control, connection, and moral direction. Featuring the voices of
Dakota Fanning (I am Sam, Cat in the Hat) and music by Emmy-winning composer
Jeff Beal. "
Chris wondered yesterday evening
how much one of his paintings might sell for.
And, of course, there is
a rock and roll band called The Vivian Girls.