As a seasoned gamer who’s seen countless stories unfold in the digital realm, I must say that Titus Kaphar‘s journey from Kalamazoo to Beverly Hills is a testament to the power of art and resilience. Born from pain and nurtured by determination, his work is a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream beyond their humble beginnings.
As artist Titus Kaphar delved into the painful memories of his childhood, an unlikely muse emerged. A few years back, graphic artist and collector Kate Capshaw stopped by his studio. At that moment, he was engrossed in a collection of large-scale canvases for his upcoming exhibition titled “Exhibiting Forgiveness“, at Gagosian in Beverly Hills until November 2. Surrounded by nostalgic depictions of his childhood, frequently using destructive techniques to remove figures from the canvas, Capshaw enquired about the meaning behind these paintings. It was then that Kaphar shared with her an autobiographical screenplay entitled “Exhibiting Forgiveness“.
Kaphar remembers her saying, ‘Can it be okay if I share this with Steven?’ She meant her husband, Steven Spielberg. A few days passed, and she called again to say, ‘He wants to discuss this with you.’ Kaphar, whose 2022 documentary short, Shut Up and Paint, was nominated for the best documentary short Oscar, was taken aback.
Kaphar remembers Spielberg stating, “I’ve made a movie based on my family (The Fabelmans), and this will be an emotionally challenging journey for you. Every day while filming, I cried. Making this film won’t heal your past, so avoid expecting it to do so. However, I want you to safeguard yourself from the ways Hollywood can alter movies like this.
Kaphar’s first full-length film, titled “Exhibiting Forgiveness“, showcases André Holland as Tarrell, a character representing the artist, alongside John Earl Jelks, Andra Day, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. This movie will hit theaters on October 18th after its run at Sundance earlier this year. The plot interweaves different time periods: the present day, where Tarrell encounters his long-absent father, a reformed addict, unexpectedly, and his past, delving into the reasons behind their estrangement. In her critique, THR‘s reviewer Lovia Gyarkye described the movie as “an exceptional collaboration between actor and director.
Kaphar explains that he created the artwork as a means to understand and cope with his personal experiences. He began by jotting down memories about his relationship with his father in the mornings, which eventually sparked visual images. His motivation was to communicate his childhood experiences to his sons. Through this process, Kaphar discovered that painting served as a therapeutic outlet for him.
Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kaphar hadn’t considered a career in art as a child. That changed when he took an art history course in junior college. Being self-taught, he honed his painting skills by frequenting museums. He completed his BFA from San José State University in 2001 and later earned his MFA from Yale University. At Yale, Tarell McCraney, the screenwriter of ‘Moonlight’ and artistic director of Geffen Playhouse, was a close friend and inspired the character of Holland in the film. Today, Kaphar resides in New Haven with his wife and two teenage sons.
His artwork is a permanent fixture in several prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (Brooklyn), Brooklyn Museum, Yale University Art Gallery, Seattle Art Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Mississippi Museum of Art, New Britain Museum of American Art, and University of Michigan Museum of Art. In 2006, he served as an artist-in-residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and in 2018, he was bestowed with the title of a MacArthur Fellow.
Kaphar explains that he doesn’t originate from this particular sphere, instead hailing from hardworking individuals who have instilled in him a strong work ethic. Upon entering the art world, he admits to feeling perplexed by its dynamics and uncomfortable with some of the interactions directed towards him as an individual.
In the movie, a tense moment unfolds at an art gallery opening as Tarrell firmly rebukes a haughty collector. He explains, “These are my life’s work, they’re real to me. I know you’re planning to purchase this, and I acknowledge its market value. I’m fortunate to earn a living from my paintings, but it’s crucial for you to understand that for me, this isn’t just a commercial transaction.” He shudders as he remembers the encounter, “There are collectors who are more than buyers. Incredibly, there are some wealthy men who truly grasp this. I can tell from our discussion that you are one of them, and you’re not here trying to feign understanding.
At present, Kaphar and his co-producer, Michael VQ, are the main movers of Revolution Ready, a film production company established in 2021. Apart from showcasing ‘Forgiveness’, they have so far released two short documentaries: ‘I Hold Your Love’ and ‘Shut up and Paint’. These films not only made it to the Oscar shortlist but also won the best short award at the Big Sky Film Festival and the Grand Jury prize at the Boston International Film Festival.
His achievements have kept him humble, elated, and thankful. As a boy hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan – a town many consider unreal – now accomplishing all this, he expresses profound gratitude.
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2024-09-24 20:55