Film Covers The Life And Work Of Artist Clyfford Still

Abstract Expressionist Clyfford Still (American, 1904–1980), was considered one of the foremost practitioners of the Color Field movement. He achieved success on the West Coast with his first solo show at the San Francisco Museum of Art in 1943, and in New York at Peggy Guggenheim’s gallery in 1946. He joined Betty Parsons’ gallery and relocated from San Francisco to New York in 1950 at the height of the Abstract Expressionism movement.

On Friday, February 7, at 6 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill will present a screening of “Lifeline: Clyfford Still,” a 2019 film that takes an in-depth look into the life and work of a modern art icon who is considered one of the most significant contributors to Abstract Expressionism in the United States. The screening will be followed by a talk with the film’s director and producer Dennis Scholl and artist Deborah Buck, moderated by museum director Terrie Sultan.

“I’m excited to show this film at the Parrish that sheds light on one of the most seminal, prolific, and influential artists who followed his own path and never compromised for money or recognition,” said Corinne Erni, Senior Curator of ArtsReach and Special Projects at the Parrish.

Through archival material, found footage, and audio recorded by the artist, the film provides an intimate portrait of Still, documenting his prolific, uncompromising creative journey. Eventually, Still became increasingly critical of the art world. He severed ties with commercial galleries and the art scene at the height of his career and in 1961, moved to a 22-acre farm in Maryland where he continued to make art for the next 20 years.

Extremely disciplined, principled, and prolific, Still left behind an immense trove of works. In 2004, his widow bequeathed more than 800 paintings and nearly 1,600 works on paper to the City of Denver, and in 2011 the Clyfford Still Museum was established, housing the complete archives of sketchbooks, journals, notebooks, the artist's library, and other materials.

“Lifeline” documents Still’s life from his creative journey through the founding of the museum that bears his name, with footage and interviews of Still’s daughters; artists Mark Bradford, Julie Mehretu, Julian Schnabel; SFMOMA director Neal Benezra; Clyfford Still Museum director Dean Sobel and architect Brad Cloepfil; as well as art historians, journalists, and collectors.

Director Dennis Scholl is an award-winning documentary filmmaker focusing on arts and culture. His interview subjects have included Robert Redford, Frank Gehry, Wynton Marsalis, Ai Wei Wei, and Theaster Gates. He is the executive producer of over a dozen films with the Miami-based Borscht Film Collective, including six short films that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and Yearbook.

Artist Deborah Buck credits her early artistic and intellectual development to her exposure to Clyfford Still, who mentored her as a young artist after reviewing her work. Buck began exhibiting her work professionally in the 1980s and continues to show throughout the United States. She taught in The School of Visual Arts Masters Design Department for eight years and has been a member of the Fine Arts Committee of The LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton.

Tickets for “Lifeline: Clyfford Still” are $15 ($5 for students and Parrish members). The Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. Visit parrishart.org for details.