Modern Art Review
Modern Art is a 2021 short film written by Charlie Martin and directed by Olga Melnikova.
An irreverently hilarious take on the sometimes-ridiculous world of modern art, the short film Modern Art delivers on a well-paced piece with tongue firmly in cheek.
The short starts beautifully with some stylized lighting highlighting our artist as portrayed by Antons Barons in his element, creating his masterpiece. At his public showing a curious man as portrayed by Aris Matesovics unknowingly destroys the art and has a challenge demanded by the artist to create something better. What develops is a series of vignettes wherein what our gallery guide deems as art is merely quick flashes of found objects devised by the man.
In what feels like a sly nod to recent artworks such as “Banana on wall,” the film takes two diverse stances on modern art. On one hand, there is the easily dismissive piece, the one wherein we can all easily write off the art as nothing more than silly creations that are elevated beyond what they should ever be. On the other is the exact opposite: where there is merit to this work, art is completely subjective and who is to say what we can declare art or not.
This is a brilliant take and one that is delivered with a masterful turn by the guide of the film, perfectly portrayed by Robert Cottrel. Without this amazing performance, any credibility in the film’s tone would surely lack significance.
In fact, the casting even by the extras of the film feels spot on. Everyone looks the part perfectly, which of course must have special attention paid to the combined forces of Adele Bea Cipste, Ieva Imerteija, and Viktorija Breiksa in the art and makeup departments, respectively.
As previously mentioned, the cinematography carries with it some exceptional moments as provided by Davids Smiltins, with music by Geoff Harvey and Marshall Smith wrapping a nice bow around the whole package.
Modern Art is a comical yet philosophical take on the modern art scene that leaves the audience with plenty to think about. While it may be a bit of a cliché to pull so much from a film that almost challenges that notion, it is great to see anything so willing to provide both sides to a singular argument.
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Cheers!
Daniel Hess
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