Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein 1985
Dive into the avant-garde world of Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein (1985), a 13-minute documentary that captures artist Mike Bidlo's bold reinterpretation of Yves Klein's legendary performance, *Anthropométries de l'époque bleue*.
Director: Tessa Hughes-Freeland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein (1985) about?
This documentary captures Mike Bidlo's striking reenactment of Yves Klein's *Anthropométries de l'époque bleue*, a 1960s performance piece where Klein used live models as living paintbrushes. Bidlo's 1985 take strips away the original's mystique, reframing it as a raw, performative act that challenges notions of artistic originality.
Who directed Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein?
The film was directed by Tessa Hughes-Freeland, a filmmaker known for her work in experimental and avant-garde cinema.
Who stars in Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein?
Mike Bidlo takes center stage as the primary performer, with the documentary also capturing the energy of the live audience and performers involved in the reenactment.
Is Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein (1985) worth watching?
At just 13 minutes, this experimental documentary offers a unique snapshot of 1980s avant-garde art and a fascinating critique of artistic repetition. While it may not appeal to mainstream audiences, its bold premise and historical significance make it a compelling watch for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
How long is Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein?
The documentary runs for 13 minutes.
About Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein (1985) — A 13-minute dive into artistic rebellion and performative innovation
Dive into the avant-garde world of Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein (1985), a 13-minute documentary that captures artist Mike Bidlo's bold reinterpretation of Yves Klein's legendary performance, *Anthropométries de l'époque bleue*. Directed by Tessa Hughes-Freeland, this film immerses viewers in the raw energy of 1980s New York City, where Bidlo stages his own version of Klein's iconic action painting—stripped of its original mystique and reimagined as a performative act of artistic defiance. The documentary thrives on its tension between homage and rebellion, blending the cerebral with the visceral as it explores themes of replication, authenticity, and the limits of artistic reinvention.
With its minimal runtime and maximal impact, Mike Bidlo: NOT Klein offers a fascinating glimpse into the underground art scene of the era, where performance and provocation collide. Shot in the intimate yet electric atmosphere of the Palladium in NYC, the film invites audiences to question the boundaries of originality and the role of the artist as both creator and disruptor. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this short documentary promises a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.