Festival Quickies: Herb and Dorothy

What is art?
I usually cringe at that question. Is it "Form and Content"? Every standard by which we define form and content has been challenged by the artistic community. Is it "a product of human creativity"? Possibly - but does that broad definition, then, include every product of human creativity? Is it subjective - does the observer, or the experiencer decide if it's art? Never is this so hotly discusssed than when we experience minimalist, and conceptual art. And yet, New York couple Herb and Dorothy plunged in to the world of contemporary art with confidence, dedication, and joy, managing to amass one of the most important collections in America.

Herb and Dorothy were legends in the NYC art scene, and this documentary tells the story of how a postal worker and a librarian, living in a small, one-bedroom, rent controlled apartment collected over 4000 pieces of art. It is a story of love and passion. It is also the story of a work of art.

Herb and Dorothy weren't absolute novices. They both attended art school and attempted many pieces themselves. But real life took over, and their passion never subsided, so they started collecting other artists.

However, their collecting had a structure. They made rules about how they would decide on a purchase. They had to like the piece, be able to afford it, and it had to fit in their apartment! Indeed their collection ultimately fulfills the first definition of art - it has form and content.

The content of the collection includes pieces from notable artists, and some not so noteable. We get to meet some of the artists and hear stories of how their lives were affected by Herb and Dorothy. In fact, the documentary stands as a work of art on its own; with a well crafted unveiling of their life. But most significantly we come to understand that it is possible for two people to work passionately on a partnership that, itself, evolves into art. It has form and content, it is the product of their creativity, and most of all, it speaks with to the world with great conviction and emotion. Herb and Dorothy's life is the greatest artistic achievement in this film.