Thinking about these artists inspired me to look up some quotes on the subject:

• A picture is a poem without words. – Horace
• A man paints with his brains and not with his hands. – Michelangelo
• A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession. – Albert Camus
• The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration. – Frida Kahlo

Frida

Frida (2002) is a bio pic about Frida Kahlo, directed by Julie Taymor. It’s hard to imagine a more artistic presentation of the painter’s life while telling her literal story. Salma Hayek’s performance of Kahlo, a woman who suffered her entire adult life from a tragic accident in her youth, is nothing short of outstanding. Nerds like me take special notice to an animated hospital sequence provided by the Brother’s Quay. Not only is Frida an absolute feast for the eyes, but it boldly captures her struggles through life, love and art.

Marwencol

Marwencol (2010) is a documentary about Mark Hogancamp and is directed by Jeff Malmberg. Sometime’s life’s events can lead to the outpouring of artistic expression without art being a conscious choice. Such is the case with Mark Hogancamp who was compelled to regain an identity after being brutally victimized. His visual storytelling with inanimate dolls gained him unsuspected recognition. It is a heartfelt story that should not be missed.

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