LEWISTON, MAINE (March 23, 2010) — The documentary “Visible Silence: Marsden Hartley, Painter and Poet” which illuminates the life and work of world-renowned painter Marsden Hartley, will air on the television stations of MPBN on Saturday, April 10 at 11:00am.
This is the first documentary ever made about this American master. It was written, directed, and narrated by Michael Maglaras of 217 Films and filmed entirely in Maine. This documentary will be shown as part of MPBN’s Community Films series which showcases the people, regions and culture of Maine.
Hartley was born in Lewiston and the Bates College Museum of Art is home to the world’s largest collection of Hartley artifacts. “Visible Silence” includes many pieces from this extensive archive, including drawings and photographs. “Visible Silence” features 43 Hartley paintings and sketches as well as many photographs of Hartley — from early youth to his final years. Drawing heavily from his poetical works, this documentary, a deeply personal statement by Michael Maglaras, captures the essence of Hartley — long considered one of the fathers of American Modernism.
Hartley was deeply attached to his hometown and to the Androscoggin River, and locations in and around these areas play a key role in the film. Hartley traveled extensively, but always returned to Maine and, at the end of his life, considered himself “Maine’s Painter.” He requested his ashes be strewn along the Androscoggin when he died; and this important and poignant moment is dramatized in “Visible Silence.”
In 2008, a Hartley painting sold for $6.31 million, setting an auction record at Christie’s for an American Modernist work, overtaking a record previously held by a work of Georgia O’Keeffe.
That same year, Governor John E. Baldacci proclaimed Marsden Hartley Day in the State of Maine when the world premiere of this film was held at the Bates College Museum of Art.
More about 217 Films: www.two17films.com
More about MPBN: www.mpbn.net
More about MPBN Community Films: http://www.mpbn.net/Television/MPBNCommunityFilms/tabid/1089/Default.aspx
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