Chet Zar: I Like to Paint Monsters 2015
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Produced by Mike Correll
Directed by Mike Correll
DVD , color, 80 mn.
College - General Adult
Art, Popular Culture, Sociology
Date Entered: 10/19/2016
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSChet Zar: I Like to Paint Monsters chronicles the artist's personal and professional life. Prominently explored are the “dark arts” genre of the art world. Likewise, Zar and family members provide their first-hand accounts with the paranormal. Segments of these accounts may be likened to scenes from the television show Unsolved Mysteries (1987-2002).
The film explores Zar's influences such as Hieronymus Bosch, H.R. Giger, Frank Frezetta, Carlos Castenda books and hallucinogenic drugs. They anchor the grimly resplendent images that Zar creates. Bonus footage features the artist's philosophy particularly how these ideas manifest in Zar's galleries .
Art critics provide commentary on the nature and appeal of Zar's paintings. The film's tone is conversational. The subject is approachable for adult audiences. The film highlights the subcultures that support “dark art.” Audiences served by academic and public libraries will be entertained and engrossed by this exploration of an art sub-genre, the paranormal and Chet Zar.