11 Art Documentaries on Youtube To Inspire Student Artists

The Case for Abstraction

If you’ve ever been puzzled by abstract art, this video is a thorough and persuading view of its merits. There is a historical overview of the transition to abstraction as well as a synthesis of ideas about abstract art’s purpose. In the same way that music can make you feel without telling you explicitly what it’s about, abstract art provokes emotion. You can look at a piece and cry or laugh, simply because of the color and the composition. This video makes it clear that abstract art is just as full of thought, theory, and concepts as traditional representational art!

Art Cooking: Frida Kahlo

Art Cooking is just a fantastic show that is worth sharing (I’ve watched every single video). It takes different famous artists and cooks food that they would have eaten in a day interspersed with biographical information. It’s incredibly historically accurate and informative. Plus, you might end up pretty hungry at the end of each episode. Luckily, you’ve just learned some new recipes!

In this video, the chefs make chile rellenos, white rice with plantains, and nopales salad (plus a very Frida-esque tequila shot for dessert!). Kahlo is a fascinating artist who led a long and jam-packed life. This video explores her influences, her surreal imagery, and her attitude towards food and entertaining. 

How to Paint Like Jackson Pollock

Maybe you’ve heard someone say that anyone could have painted a Jackson Pollock painting. Well now is your chance! Corey D’Augustine teaches you how to paint like one of the most famous and controversial artists in history. You might realize that it’s a bit more complicated, and time-intensive than you thought. Pollock’s paintings are often more about the action and process of creating them than the final product. This is why he inspired the term Action Painting, as a label for his style and the style of some of his contemporaries. If you have time (and lots of space!) this is a fun and inspiring activity to try. 

The Story of Virgil Abloh

If you’re a follower of streetwear and designer culture, or just simply a resident of Chicago, you’ve probably heard of Virgil Abloh. He had a sensational show at the Museum of Contemporary Art last year, and has been consistently rocking out as a designer for years. He recently became the first black artistic director of Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s largest and most important fashion houses. He’s a shining example of an interdisciplinary artist, dipping his toes into visual art, fashion design, and architecture. His story is inspiring and engaging, and this video does a great job of summing it up so far. 

Kerry James Marshall: Mastry

Kerry James Marshall is the most famous black painter alive. His decorative scenes packed with symbols and history feature only black subjects, and always have. His intention is to bring representations of black people into storied art institutions and an art canon that has consistently left them out. Hearing Marshall talk about his art and his practice is exciting and draws you in. He’s a genius at his craft, but makes sure that his work is accessible to anyone who might need it. If you missed his retrospective at the MCA, we’re so sorry!!!

How the Mona Lisa Became So Overrated

Ending on something that reminds you not to take art so seriously (no matter how famous it might be) seems appropriate. This video explains the true story of how the Mona Lisa became the most famous painting in the world. Not to spoil anything, but it involves a heist, mystery, intrigue, and international skullduggery. You’ll never be able to look at this iconic image the same way again! This is a reminder not to be intimidated or held back by anything when it comes to art. Art can get famous for weird reasons. So get crackin’ on the next Mona Lisa!

We hope you enjoyed these fabulous art documentaries. Check out some of IPMM’s other resources for artists and art teachers on our blog! 

Happy watching!