“In a world where reason is the goal, I believe that art is the release from reason” A.P.
ABOUT THE FILM:
Enter the fantastic worlds of Arthur Polonsky in a documentary currently in production by his son, Emmy nominated Director Gabriel Polonsky. Arthur’s mystical art defined him as “one the most important Boston painters of the 20th century.” Follow his journey from Lynn, MA to the booming art scene of post WWll Paris, acclaimed international shows, and a feature in LIFE Magazine, to obscurity and reemergence in his 80’s with major exhibitions. Discover the rarely told story of Boston Expressionism, a major yet unheralded American art movement as told by Arthur (one of its key creators) and 20 leaders of Boston’s art world.
Yet Release from Reason is not a typical “PBS” documentary. Arthur lights up the screen at age 90 with his breathtaking art and eccentric genius – still painting day and night in his ramshackle art-filled Victorian house, amid relics of a stellar career and counter-culture family of artists. Release From Reason is an intimate portrait of a life devoted to art at all costs, and the mysterious forces that fuel creativity.
QUOTES:
“He brings to his work a mystical, mysterious inner life.” -Barbara Swan, Artist
“He can give logic to a dream.” -Katherine French, Ret. Director, Danforth Museum
“Our father is irrational but he’s a genius.” -DL Polonsky, Artist
“He integrated aesthetics and philosophy into one great adventure.” -Rusty Crump, Student
WHY THIS FILM NOW?
I was grateful to spend time with my father through the making of this film, and finally understand his life-long journey as an immensely influential artist. He was a major force behind the Boston Expressionist movement since its inception at the Boston Museum School in the 1940’s. The movement gained national recognition yet never reached its due. The Boston MFA notoriously neglected these Artists. Thankfully they have begun showing their work in new American Art Wing, as have many other museums and galleries.
Arthur saved every scrap of ephemera from his career, his fellow artists, and the history of 20th century Boston art. With his fascinating first-hand accounts and interviews with 20 leaders of Boston’s art world, Release From Reason is one of only a few films to tell the story of Boston Expressionism – a story that needs to be told.
I look forward to sharing Arthur’s legacy with generations to come. Many organizations from the Smithsonian to the Boston MFA have expressed interest in screening the completed film. We are also targeting PBS, national festivals, and university art departments. But we still have a way to go. We’re currently raising funds to hire a top-notch post-production team to turn all the raw footage into a 1.5 hour film. Please join our growing list of supporters with a tax-deducible donation by clicking HERE. Thank you!
– Gabriel Polonsky