Wednesday, April 11, 2007

The Greatest Artists of the Western World

Award-winning film company, Seventh Art, are bringing to life some of the art world’s most innovative works with the release of their insightful documentary series on DVD this spring. Presented by Five’s art expert Tim Marlow the two DVDs, Great Artists and Great Artists 2, were shot on location in churches, museums and palaces throughout Europe and the United States, and explore the work of artists such as Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Stubbs and Goya. Offering an intelligent and informative insight into the lives and work of these ground-breaking artists, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 provide unrivalled access to the some of the greatest masters in Western art history.

With the cultural melting pot of Europe as his backdrop, Marlow explores the works, historical societies, cities and lives of a diverse collection of artists. From his insightful guide to the great innovators of portraiture, David and Goya, to his alternative take on Constable; who was considered a radical artist of his time, Marlow crams each DVD with his fascinating observations and perceptive insights into the work and lives of an array of artistic masters.

Produced and directed by award winning documentary film-maker Phil Grabsky, Great Artists and Great Artists 2 are the most recent in a series of ground breaking documentary films on art by the Five presenter. Seventh Art Productions’ signature style makes these documentaries a must for the serious art critic whilst remaining easily accessible to art enthusiasts of all levels.

The DVD release of Great Artists and Great Artists 2 coincides with the David and Goya exhibition at the Royal Academy, which runs until 20th April. The DVDs will be available to buy from the Tate Modern and all good websites including seventh-art.com, fopp.co.uk, dvd.ciao.co.uk, bookmat.com, amazon.com, movie-mail.com, and Woolworths.co.uk. RRP £22.49. The Great Artists book is also available to buy in a downloadable format from the Seventh Art website.

Gilbert and George DVD

Internationally renowned film company, Seventh Art Productions, are set to release the latest film in the Tim Marlow arts series on DVD on the 9th April. Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George sees art expert Tim joined by the world’s most eccentric artistic double act – the self-proclaimed ‘living sculptures’ Gilbert & George. This fascinating documentary presents an exclusive walk around their new exhibition at Tate Modern and also offers an intriguing insight into the characters of this famously elusive pair. For true Gilbert & George enthusiasts, there will be a limited number of rare signed copies available to buy on seventh-art.com and at White Cube art galleries, but you will have to move quickly!

Famously straight-faced and seemingly straight-laced, Gilbert & George’s impeccable dress and public demeanor contrasts enormously with the often riotous, irreverent and humorous nature of the work they make. Together with Tim Marlow they provide an exciting and unique look at the key pieces in the largest exhibition of their work to date, which sees 200 pieces on display. Sex, race, religion, nudity, terrorism, love and drunkenness are themes explored throughout the collection, provoking fierce reactions and fuelling discussions that relate strongly to modern existence.

After meeting as students at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1967, Gilbert & George began to exhibit and create work together, always keen to challenge the art world and question expectations. Since this time they have emerged as a fascinating duo with a curious lifestyle that demands much public attention.

Produced by award-winning documentary film-makers Seventh Art Productions, Tim Marlow with… Gilbert & George is the most recent in the Tim Marlow series to be released on DVD. Available through Amazon as well as esteemed art galleries Tate Modern and White Cube, the DVD will retail for £15.99 and will be equally invaluable to the serious art critic and the casual onlooker alike.