man from pretentia

art, filmed

Here's a trailer for the excellently named Man from Pretentia, a documentary about a late East Village artist my partner was acquainted with. (He's somewhere in the documentary; not the trailer, though.)

From the website:

“Man From Pretentia” offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Paul Bridgewater, a legendary figure in the New York art world. Known for his pivotal role in discovering and supporting artists during the vibrant ’80s East Village art scene. Bridgewater embarks on a Quixotic quest in 2013 to launch a new gallery, “Smart Clothes,” dedicated to emerging art. Through a series of vignettes, the film delves into Bridgewater’s personal journey, from his humble beginnings in New York to his rise as a prominent patron and gallerist. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of promising artists to AIDS, Bridgewater’s magnetic charm and eccentric quirks shine through.

Watch the trailer, and a great deal of art, below. (If you're in the New York area, it's screening November 14; if not, it'll also livestream.)