"The Art of Mark Bryan," Thomas Storesund, 2019
In this beautifully-produced short video, pop surrealist painter and political satirist Mark Bryan speaks about his technique and his development and history as an artist.
Though the video is just under eight minutes in length, Bryan discusses a wide range of art-related topics. He touches on several dualities: openness to the creative imagination vs. commercialism, political subjects vs. magic and whimsy, and how satirical approaches can make even serious topics amusing and accessible. Bryan speaks of art as an adventure, an exploration of the self and one’s feelings about the world.
Director/Editor Thomas Storesund is clearly at the top of his game. His video offers us an intimate and accessible portrayal of a successful contemporary artist. Storesund’s editing and sequencing of Bryan’s narrative are nothing short of miraculous, making the artist seem simultaneously light-hearted and serious. Thoughtful and whimsical. The piece held my attention and left me wanting to see more.
The video comprises three layers:
Bryan speaking about his approach to painting, his philosophy, and his feelings about art and the creative process. This provides an intimate look “inside artist’s head.”
Beautifully-composed images of Bryan’s work, his studio and its immediate environs, and his interactions with the public. Visuals drift in and out of the frame, capturing the eye and inviting the viewer to dig deeper into the artist’s oeuvre.
Finally, a tasteful soundtrack augments the vibe of the film without ever stepping on the the primary layers.
Here’s the URL for the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63jkhU-jdHs
More About Thomas Storesund:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7186340/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasstoresund/
For examples of Mark Bryan’s art, please visit: artofmarkbryan.com