Purvis of Overtown
“I paint from reality. I paint problems of the world.” Purvis Young, outsider artist and longtime resident of Miami's Overtown district, has seen his share. Once a thriving middle-class black community, now known locally as the "Bucket of Blood," Young's neighborhood and the subjects he paints provide a vital portrait of a world in tumult. Incarcerated at a young age, Young taught himself to paint in jail. He is now considered among America's most prominent folk artists. Over Otis Taylor's powerful blues soundtrack, dealers, curators and collectors discuss Young's impact on the art world, while his neighbors share stories about the artist they have known for decades as a bicycle-riding beacon of hope. As one old-timer puts it, “Purvis is Overtown.” — D. Conroy
Director: David Raccuglia, Shaun Conrad
Producer: Franz Zwergel, Terry Lane
Cinematographer: Eric Steelberg, Emmanuel Vouniozos
Editor: Greg Snider
Print Source:
Rural Studios
1240 N. Homan Ave
Chicago, IL, 60651
Tel: 312-953-9357
773-278-4469
PRECEDED BY:
A Taste of Nate
Director: Jim McGorman
US 2006 5 MINS A beautifully layered portrait of the Philly-based jazz ensemble Nate Wiley and the Crowd Pleasers, filmed in performance at Bob and Barbara's Lounge.
