When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met then-79 year old abstract artist Peter Bradley in early 2020, Bradley hadn't sold many paintings nor had a major show in over four decades - yet he still painted every day in a shipping container studio heated by a wood stove, no matter what the weather. Over time, Rappoport recorded Bradley's fascinating life story, which occupies a unique and seemingly overlooked place in art history. Bradley was the first Black haute art dealer in New York; likely the first Black abstract artist represented by a major New York gallery; and curator of what is considered the first integrated modern art show in America. Talented, willful and arrogant, Bradley lived life to its fullest - until he fell upon hard times in the 1980s that nearly ended his career.
At once an intimate portrait and a deep study of the creative process, WITH PETER BRADLEY is situated entirely at the artist’s rural home and studio, and unfolds over the course of changing seasons. The sole figure on screen, Bradley narrates his life is in a series of unscripted conversations: often provocative, sometimes bitter, and full of surprises. We meet the artist at a critical juncture - deeply committed to the expressive power of color, painting gorgeous pictures at a prolific pace, but without an audience to appreciate them. Canvases pile up on the floor, his financial situation grows dire. Yet the film is buoyed by Peter’s exuberant spirit, warm sense of humor, and often-salty opinions. And finally, the epilogue: Bradley is rediscovered and selling his work again. “They’ve gotta make some room for me,” he says. And finally, they do.
COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Wichita Urban Professionals (ICT-UP) is dedicated to empowering the young, diverse and talented.
The organization involves members
ages 18-45 in engaging and relevant personal development opportunities, which include professional development trainings and dynamic social networking events.
OUR MISSION
Developing a rising network of Black leaders to improve the urban community of Wichita.
When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met then-79 year old abstract artist Peter Bradley in early 2020, Bradley hadn't sold many paintings nor had a major show in over four decades - yet he still painted every day in a shipping container studio heated by a wood stove, no matter what the weather. Over time, Rappoport recorded Bradley's fascinating life story, which occupies a unique and seemingly overlooked place in art history. Bradley was the first Black haute art dealer in New York; likely the first Black abstract artist represented by a major New York gallery; and curator of what is considered the first integrated modern art show in America. Talented, willful and arrogant, Bradley lived life to its fullest - until he fell upon hard times in the 1980s that nearly ended his career.
At once an intimate portrait and a deep study of the creative process, WITH PETER BRADLEY is situated entirely at the artist’s rural home and studio, and unfolds over the course of changing seasons. The sole figure on screen, Bradley narrates his life is in a series of unscripted conversations: often provocative, sometimes bitter, and full of surprises. We meet the artist at a critical juncture - deeply committed to the expressive power of color, painting gorgeous pictures at a prolific pace, but without an audience to appreciate them. Canvases pile up on the floor, his financial situation grows dire. Yet the film is buoyed by Peter’s exuberant spirit, warm sense of humor, and often-salty opinions. And finally, the epilogue: Bradley is rediscovered and selling his work again. “They’ve gotta make some room for me,” he says. And finally, they do.
COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Wichita Urban Professionals (ICT-UP) is dedicated to empowering the young, diverse and talented.
The organization involves members
ages 18-45 in engaging and relevant personal development opportunities, which include professional development trainings and dynamic social networking events.
OUR MISSION
Developing a rising network of Black leaders to improve the urban community of Wichita.