A film about Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds

I wanted to share this film directed by Kate Vogel for the Tate about Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seed installation. Kate has been commissioning films for many years but I believe this is her directorial debut.  I think its a great piece of work about an incredible project. Shame they've had to stop people walking on it because of the dust...

GAUGUIN IN HIS WORDS @ TATE MODERN

My latest project, ‘GAUGUIN IN HIS WORDS’, based on the letters of Gauguin to his friends and family, is currently playing on the 4th floor of the Tate Modern.  I filmed it with my new 5D Mark II which has opened up a lot of cinematic possibilities for me.


Having read so many of his letters I can't say that I like the man, but you have to appreciate his self-belief and intense focus which he sustained throughout his many travels.  I chose to avoid his moaning letters to his friends and estranged wife, and tried to concentrate instead on the moments when he talks directly about his art.


It was commissioned by Kate Vogel who used to run Channel 4's 3 Minute Wonders and now runs Tate Media. It was made to accompany the Gauguin exhibition which runs till late 2010.

The short film, based entirely on Gauguin's letters from the late 1900s, explores the artist's transition from conventional family man to avant-garde pioneer and maverick leader of the post-impressionist movement.

“Be an Impressionist to the bitter end and be afraid of nothing!”   

(To Emile Bernard, 1889)