Who Gets to Call It Art? 2006

Documentary

Box Office

$27K

Runtime

78 min

Language

English

Directed by

Peter Rosen

Made by

Palm Pictures

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Plot Summary

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A captivating journey through the vibrant 1960s downtown New York art scene unfolds, narrated by the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art curator, Henry Geldzahler. The film kicks off with an engaging montage that encapsulates the essence of early 60s New York City. It highlights the explosion of creativity in advertising design and the beloved artists’ haven known as the Cedar Bar, a sanctuary for artists seeking refuge from the chill of the night. Figures like Jack Kerouac, Dennis Hopper, and Jackson Pollock are integrated into this rich tapestry, creating a dynamic community of creatives reminiscent of Paris in the early half of the century.

As Henry Geldzahler, a bright art historian freshly graduated from both Yale and Harvard, enters the New York art scene in the year of JFK’s election, the atmosphere is one of optimism and excitement. These were transformative times when artists, residing in affordable downtown lofts, began to liberate themselves from European influences and Abstract Expressionism, paving the way for something entirely new and authentically American.

The 60s became synonymous with experimentation and the questioning of norms, as the avant-garde thrived amidst openings, happenings, and parties, merging social life with the art world. Young, intelligent voices, from Beat poets to iconic figures like James Dean, emerged alongside innovative films, modern appliances, and cutting-edge product design in advertising. With low rents and a vibrant street lifestyle fostering creativity, anyone could dive into artistic pursuits, and Henry Geldzahler quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the downtown scene.

By 1970, having been the curator of contemporary art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1962, Henry Geldzahler orchestrated an unprecedented exhibition titled New York Painting and Sculpture 1940-1970. This groundbreaking show, which spanned the museum’s 18th and 19th-century galleries, featured over 400 works by living American artists, including notable names like Chamberlain, Di Suvero, Flavin, Frankenthaler, Johns, Kelly, Kline, Noland, Oldenberg, Olitsky, Pollock, Poons, Rauschenberg, Rothko, Lichtenstein, Motherwell, Newman, Segal, Stella, and Warhol.

This centennial exhibition not only redefined the museum’s commitment to contemporary art but also attracted a new audience eager to engage with modern pieces. With his bold vision, Henry Geldzahler offered American art its much-deserved stamp of approval, affirming that it was not merely commendable, but profoundly significant and a wise investment for the future.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Who Gets to Call It Art? (2006) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Introduction to the 1960s Art Scene

The film opens with a vibrant montage that captures the essence of early 60s New York City. This lively portrayal showcases the creativity within advertising design and highlights the Cedar Bar, a sanctuary for artists.

1960s New York City

Meeting Iconic Figures

As the narrative unfolds, notable figures such as Jack Kerouac, Dennis Hopper, and Jackson Pollock are introduced. These artists form a dynamic community reminiscent of earlier artistic gatherings in Paris.

1960s Cedar Bar, New York

Henry Geldzahler Enters the Scene

Henry Geldzahler, a recent graduate from Yale and Harvard, steps into the bustling New York art scene during the year of JFK's election. The atmosphere is optimistic, filled with excitement for new artistic expressions.

1960 New York City

Liberation from European Influences

Artists begin to liberate themselves from European influences and Abstract Expressionism. This period marks the birth of new, authentically American art forms, as creative individuals explore various mediums and styles.

1960s

Rise of the Avant-Garde

The 1960s see a flourish of avant-garde art that thrives amidst openings and parties. The merging of social life with the art scene creates a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation.

1960s

Emergence of Young Voices

A wave of young, intelligent voices emerges in the art community, influenced by Beat poets and iconic figures like James Dean. These voices represent a new generation challenging artistic and societal norms.

1960s

Affordable Artistic Pursuits

With low rents in downtown New York, artists find a conducive environment to pursue their craft. This accessibility allows for an explosion of artistic expression and creativity among budding artists.

1960s Downtown New York

Geldzahler as Prominent Figure

Henry Geldzahler quickly establishes himself as a prominent figure in the downtown scene. His contributions to contemporary art with bold and innovative ideas help shape New York's artistic identity.

1960s New York City

The Curatorship at The Met

By 1970, Henry Geldzahler has been the curator of contemporary art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1962. His tenure marks a significant turn toward modern art in one of the world's most prestigious museums.

1970 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Groundbreaking Exhibition

In 1970, Geldzahler orchestrates the unprecedented exhibition titled 'New York Painting and Sculpture 1940-1970'. This display features over 400 works from prominent living American artists, redefining the museum's approach to contemporary art.

1970 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Attracting a New Audience

The centennial exhibition not only showcases modern art but attracts a new audience eager to engage with contemporary pieces. This shift represents a significant cultural transition within the museum.

1970 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Affirming American Art's Significance

Through his bold exhibitions, Henry Geldzahler affirms the significance of American art. He conveys its importance as a wise investment for the future, challenging preconceived notions of art's value and relevance.

1970

Characters

Explore all characters from Who Gets to Call It Art? (2006). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Henry Geldzahler

Henry Geldzahler was a prominent art historian and curator who played a crucial role in the 1960s New York art scene. Known for his bold vision and commitment to showcasing contemporary American art, he transformed public perceptions and appreciation for modern artists. Geldzahler's charisma and intellect established him as a significant figure among creatives during this vibrant time.

🧑‍🎨 Curator 🇺🇸 Art Historian 📚 Educated

Setting

Learn where and when Who Gets to Call It Art? (2006) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1960s

The 1960s was a decade of significant cultural change, marked by experimentation and a questioning of societal norms. This era saw the emergence of avant-garde movements that reshaped the art landscape in America, separating it from European influences and celebrating authenticity. The election of JFK ignited a sense of optimism which permeated the art scene, encouraging new forms of expression.

Location

New York City, Cedar Bar

New York City in the 1960s was a vibrant hub of creativity and transformation. The Cedar Bar served as a beloved sanctuary for artists, providing a refuge where they could gather and share ideas. This setting fostered a unique dynamic community reminiscent of earlier artistic movements in Paris.

🏙️ City 🎨 Art Scene

Themes

Discover the main themes in Who Gets to Call It Art? (2006). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

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Art Revolution

The film showcases the transformative power of art during the 1960s, highlighting the shift towards a uniquely American expression. Artists began breaking free from the constraints of previous styles, embracing innovation and experimentation as they created new narratives. This revolution not only redefined art but also changed societal perspectives about creative expression.

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Cultural Awakening

A cultural awakening during the 1960s fostered a community of young, intelligent voices and avant-garde thinkers. The film captures the intersection of various creative fields, including literature, art, and advertising, interweaving their influences on one another. This vibrant societal tapestry marked a significant moment in American history, pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations.

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