With Peter Bradley | Trailer
Preview: Season 8 Episode 18 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
Overlooked since the 1970s, abstract artist Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his process.
When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met Peter Bradley in 2020, the abstract artist hadn't had a major show in over four decades - yet he still painted every day in relative obscurity. The pair recorded Bradley's life story and artistic process, both deeply inspired by modern Jazz music, over the course of changing seasons. In this intimate portrait, Bradley’s is the sole voice and figure on screen.
Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Wyncote Foundation.
With Peter Bradley | Trailer
Preview: Season 8 Episode 18 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met Peter Bradley in 2020, the abstract artist hadn't had a major show in over four decades - yet he still painted every day in relative obscurity. The pair recorded Bradley's life story and artistic process, both deeply inspired by modern Jazz music, over the course of changing seasons. In this intimate portrait, Bradley’s is the sole voice and figure on screen.
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(light drum music) - Every canvas is a new battle and if I've got the paint, I'm gonna win the battle.
TINA MCDUFFIE: Artist Peter Bradley paints every day inspired by music, color and nature.
- Every sound has a color.
I could play you some music and you can tell me what color you hear.
It's simple, I mean.
So I'm trying to get my hand out of it to make it feel like the human hand is not involved in it.
It's all accidental.
Nature feeling about it.
Get the color to move on its own.
TINA: But drug use and racism nearly ended his career.
- When I was in New York City and was painting, of course there were white artists that despised Black people and they really despised me.
I had my first one-man exhibition on 57th Street and white artists that were known showed up, but they wouldn't come in the gallery.
They stood in the hallway.
If that's not racist, you tell me what it is.
TINA: An intimate reflection on art, resiliency and creativity.
- I wanna see how many things I can paint while I'm alive.
TINA: With Peter Bradley on Local, USA.
Video has Closed Captions
Overlooked since the 1970s, abstract artist Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his process. (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Wyncote Foundation.