RON KING: Alphabets, Bandits & Collaborations

2020 Royal Television Society Award nominated Best Factual

When a young boy sees a photo of the decapitated head of notorious Brazilian bandit Lampião in a book, it becomes an obsession and inspires him to create incredible multifaceted artworks in a life time journey that takes him from Brazil, to England, Canada and the United States as he struggles to have his work recognised and accepted.

Ron King has had an artistic life that spans a multi-faceted and inspiring 60 years. His iconographic work is marked by a distinctive, fresh and often pioneering approach. As an artist his work can’t be pinned down by genre but it does have an approach that is hallmarked by a distinctive curiosity, questioning and energy. King is considered one of the modern-day masters of artist books and his cut-out Alphabets are recognised as timeless 20th century works of arts. The iconic status of his Alphabet was recognised in 2011 when the Crafts Council chose it for its '40:40' selection of Forty Objects for Forty Years.

In this new Goldmark film, shot mostly on location in his studio in Sussex, Ron King talks about his life and inspiration; the development of his work and the founding of Circle Press as an ongoing collaboration with other artists. The film highlights his continuing relationship with the USA which was underlined in 2002 with the purchase of the Circle Press' complete output and archives by the Paul Mellon Foundation at The Yale Center for British Art. 

King also talks movingly in the film about the sudden death from cancer of his 15 year old son and that of his second son from the same disease 30 years later and the profound effect the passing of his sons has had on his life and his work. 

Featuring interviews with writer, art historian and critic Mel Gooding and artist, designer and filmmaker John Christie, this latest Goldmark film provides a sensitive and revealing insight into the life of this extraordinarily inventive and energetic man. 

Goldmark Films, based in Uppingham Rutland is the independent film making arm of the world renowned Goldmark Gallery.  It specialises in fine art and ceramic films working with artists and pot makers all over the globe.  It has been making films for online platforms since 2000 under the guidance of Goldmark MD and producer/director Jay Goldmark who, with RTS award winning* film maker Jonny Lewis, has travelled the world to capture unique insights into the work and character of contemporary artists and ceramic masters. Goldmark Films has produced 24 feature length documentaries and 100 plus shorts since its foundation. Ron King - Alphabets, Bandits and Collaborations is a striking example of the Goldmark template highlighting, as it does, the human story that makes any artist create and entrancing the audience with the quality, verve and excitement of the art itself.

goldmarkart.com

Article on Ron King in New York Times