Cinema Society

HERB AND DOROTHY

Average
Rating

3

Tuesday, May 05, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Megumi Sasaki, Director

TUESDAY, MAY 5

5:00pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Members Night Special / Cinema Society Sampler

HERB AND DOROTHY

(Auditoriums 4 Only)

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

As we begin our 26th season of cinema, current Society members are invited to invite friends who would like to “sample” the Cinema Society (before deciding to join us for our new season) to our premiere of the amazing story of Herb and Dorothy Vogel—HERB AND DOROTHY:

You will be enchanted by Herb and Dorothy Vogel. And even more enchanting is the art collection they have amassed since their first purchase in the early 1960s. A labor of love, the collected works now number thousands of pieces (enough to fill over five moving vans when transported to Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art in 1992) and are, perhaps, the most comprehensive representation of New York-generated modern and contemporary art in the world, especially when you consider their limited means.

Herb was a postal worker and sometimes art student and painter; Dorothy worked as a librarian. Both are self-proclaimed “wannabe artists.” In 1960 they met at a dance and were married shortly after. On their honeymoon in Washington, they took a trip to the National Gallery and learned about art. From there, that love- of art and each other- blossomed and the collecting began.

From the first piece- a 1962 untitled work by John Chamberlain- to the last, each is lovingly treated like a child. HERB AND DOROTHY is a gem of a personal tour and an impressive narrative of the New York City art scene from the 1960s to present day.

HERB AND DOROTHY, directed by Megumi Sasaki, is an Arthouse Films Release.

Running Time: 91 Minutes Not Rated

PLEASE NOTE: Members of the 25th Season simply need to show their season pass for admission to this sampler program. A pass for potential members will be mailed out to all current members.

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6-May-09: jh - Rating: 4

I do not appreciate minimalist art. I could not warm up to the Vogels. Why, then, did I like HERB AND DOROTHY so much? Megumi Sasaki brilliantly illustrated how an obsession can be a pleasurable way of life. She intermingled the ingredients of interesting artists, background on the Vogels, and wonderful vignettes at the Vogel multi-purpose table. She sprinkled her work with humor, treated her subjects with respect, and paced the film intelligently toward its satisfying culmination.

6-May-09: SMM - Rating: 3

A charming couple, to be sure, and so interesting that they did so much with so little, and in such a small space. But seriously, a bent piece of wire on the wall and we're supposed to call it art? Or a piece of rope? Maybe they're all just too brilliant for me. Or perhaps I just have little interest in minimalist or conceptual art. My lack of appreciation for their collection does not mask my appreciation for their gift to the National Gallery, although it's not one I will actively seek out!

5-May-09: Judy S. - Rating: 2

Tooooo long. Conceptual Art is not my thing. I have been a fine art painter for 35+ years. I love the idea that I can make a visual image that speaks every language and conveys passion, love, hate and more. It does not need a card on the wall beside it to tell you what I am trying to say. Six candles on the ground to symbolize the six million killed in the Holocost.

The visual image has the power to promote world peace by celebrating life images we all cherish. Family, beauty to name two.

When I see how the museums added to their collections with this esoteric period in the history of Art, I feel sick. Whatever did happen with the Sol Lewitt cubes, Rauschenberg goats and Judd wall projectiles to make this a better Place?

Nothing.