Traditionally a male domain, war art by women has been largely unrecognized. Until now. War Paint: Women at War asks when it’s life or death, what do women see that men don’t?
Margy Kinmonth’s feature documentary shines a light on the trailblazing role of women war artists, on the frontlines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art. Culture breaks the taboo, crosses borders—tells the truth to power. Artists discussed include: Zhanna Kadyrova, Linda Kitson, Shirin Neshat, Rachel Reckitt, Dame Laura Knight, Lee Miller, Nina Berman, Marcelle Hanselaar, Jananne Al-Ani, Assil Diab, Doris Zinkeisen, Fiona Banner aka The Vanity Press, Maggi Hambling, Cornelia Parker, Dame Rachel Whiteread, Maya Lin, and including the work of Anne Desmet R.A., Samar Hussaini, and featuring Dame Penelope Lively, Charlotte Johnstone, and Ami Bouhassane. A cast of women contributors and crew makes this film a unique undertaking, telling vital truths in turbulent times. War Paint: Women at War is the third installment in Kinmonth’s trilogy of films about how artists depict war, following the acclaimed Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War and War Art with Eddie Redmayne. [89 min; documentary, war; English]
This program is presented in partnership with the Eskenazi Museum of Art. After the screening, continue the conversation at the Eskenazi Museum of Art with a special program led by museum photographer Shanti Knight. Register for this free event here.
"A compelling exploration of the work of female artists on the frontlines." — Louise Jones, The House
"What impresses most in her film is the range of artists covered including not only such familiar names as Dame Laura Knight, Maggi Hambling, and Lee Miller but many less widely known." — Mansel Stimpson, Film Review Daily
"Urgent, insightful, and incredibly poignant." — Jeremy Clarke, Jeremy C. Processing
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
