The second film in our Maine Artist Film Series is CARLO … and his Merry Band of Artists directed by Richard Kane.The Waldo is so excited to welcome Richard Kane back with this incredible award winning film!
Carlo Pittore, an exuberant, larger-than-life figurative artist and activist is discussed by a small group of friends and fellow artists who gathered at a late afternoon al fresco picnic to assess Carlo’s impact. He died in 2005 at the age of 62. Says art author Edgar Beem, “The conversation is so casual and honest it’s almost as though Carlo had just stepped away from the table for a moment rather than for all eternity.” His advice to young artists to strike out, follow their dreams, and “Do It” was palpable… as was the love for him and the hurt he sometimes caused. Memories and perspectives clash.
Carlo painted nude models while singing and dancing to Verdi’s opera at his Academy of Carlo Pittore creating works often compared to Lucian Freud and Alice Neel. Fearing the AIDS epidemic he fled New York in the late 80s. Jonathan Katz, a founding figure in queer art history, said he didn’t think Carlo’s interest in female nudes was a cover for his homosexuality. He found them beautiful. The film captures Carlo’s ambition for artistic greatness, his infectious personality, his struggle with sexual identity, and complicated legacy.
A corresponding exhibit of work by and inspired by Carlo will be on display in the Waldo Gallery, with an artists’ reception from 4:30 – 6:30pm. Adult tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on the day of and at the door. Tickets can be purchased at: https://waldotheatreinc.thundertix.com/events/228919. Film starts at 7pm.
