Art Loves Film: Herb and Dorothy Directed by Megumi Sasaki.
A lot of interest has been circulating around the collection of Herb and Dorothy Vogel. The story is one of two collectors who against almost unbelievable odds became some of the most important art collectors in the world. Megumi Sasaki has created an amazing documentary which is three love affairs in one, the Vogel’s with art, the Vogel’s with the artists they collect, and with each other.
Before I go into talking about this movie, I would like to tell you how (before this movie) the Vogel’s entered my life.
In the mid-ninties, my wife (Catherine for those of you late to the show) and I went to the show of the Vogel’s collection at the National Gallery. We had never heard of the Vogel’s, but the story intrigued me. We went to the show and realized the we could do something similar (we were smart enough to realize that we were never going to be in the same league as they were). To say we were inspired is an understatement. I still believe that the two of us bring that spirit to the few works that we do buy. Anyway, I hold the Vogel’s in the highest respect.
Back to the movie. This is Ms. Sasaki’s first feature length film – and its a good, honest, straightforward film about two extraordinary people. It has a couple of places that seem a little bit too clumsy in the telling of the back story of the Vogel’s meeting, but other than that, it is a brisk and enjoyable film. We as viewers watch the love the Vogel’s have for each other and the way that is reflected back to the artists and the art they collect. The film is scheduled for release early next year, I think you’ll enjoy it.
I was in Wynwood today at Pulse, Scope, and Aqua (among others) I’m still chewing on that just a little bit – look for a big post tomorrow…
Sounds like a definite watch for me. Thanks for the insight.
Great article. I have a similar article on my blog at http://george-lindemann-jr.com! Check it out sometime :)