In light of our wonderful documentary The Painter and the Thief’s release this Friday we have collated a list of unmissable tales of unlikely artistic friendships. Grab a pen and paper to take notes, get inspired to find your own creative buddy and watch The Painter and the Thief in cinemas and on demand from 30 October.
cutie and the boxer
A reflection on love, sacrifice, and the creative spirit, this candid New York story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of renowned “boxing” painter Ushio Shinohara and his artist wife, Noriko.
exit through the gift shop
Following the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world and slowly but surely grants Banksy’s trust and friendship.
faces places
Director Agnes Varda and photographer/muralist J.R. journey through rural France and form an unlikely friendship.
marina abramović: the artist is present
The Artist is Present follows Marina Abramović as she prepares for what may be the most important moment of her life: a major new retrospective of her work, taking place at The Museum of Modern Art. The film also explores her longtime collaboration with West German artist Ulay Laysiepen, during which they pushed artistic limits even further.
the painter and the thief
Desperate for answers about the theft of her 2 paintings, a Czech artist seeks out and befriends the career criminal who stole them. After inviting her thief to sit for a portrait, the two form an improbable relationship and an inextricable bond that will forever link these lonely souls.