Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel 1991
Catherine Tatge's intimate documentary *Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel* (1991) captures the fiery spirit of Abstract Expressionism as it exploded onto the 1940s New York art scene.
Director: Catherine Tatge
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel (1991) about?
This documentary explores the dawn of Abstract Expressionism in 1940s New York, focusing on Robert Motherwell's pivotal role alongside legends like Pollock and de Kooning. Through archival footage and Motherwell's reflections, it captures the movement's rebellious energy and its mission to redefine modern art on American terms.
Who directed Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel?
The film was directed by Catherine Tatge, a filmmaker known for her insightful documentaries on art and culture.
Who stars in Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel?
The documentary features Robert Motherwell as the central figure, along with appearances by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline.
Is Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel (1991) worth watching?
For lovers of art history and documentary cinema, this 55-minute film is a compelling dive into a defining moment of 20th-century art. While it may not boast a large modern audience, its intimate portrayal of Motherwell and his contemporaries offers a rare, authentic look at Abstract Expressionism's raw, unfiltered spirit.
How long is Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel?
The documentary has a runtime of 55 minutes.
Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel (1991) — A Glimpse Inside the Abstract Expressionism Revolution
Catherine Tatge's intimate documentary *Robert Motherwell and the New York School: Storming the Citadel* (1991) captures the fiery spirit of Abstract Expressionism as it exploded onto the 1940s New York art scene. Fresh from the tumult of war, a bold group of painters—Motherwell among them—sought to shatter tradition and forge a distinctly American visual language. The film blends archival footage with Motherwell's reflections, painting a vivid portrait of a movement that redefined modern art through raw emotion, sweeping gestures, and a defiant rejection of European dominance.
Tracing the rise of giants like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline, this 55-minute documentary doesn't just document history—it immerses viewers in the creative storm of the New York School. Motherwell's personal journey, from his arrival in the city to his role as a torchbearer for the avant-garde, becomes a lens into the era's intellectual and artistic battles, offering a glimpse of the man behind the bold strokes and the legacy he helped cement.