New Documentary Explores the Value of Art

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn about his new documentary, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek catches up with filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn to talk about his new documentary THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING.

“The people will be the ones who choose the art that speaks for us. Don’t be fooled by the price of something, just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s good. Just because it’s expensive, doesn’t mean it’s bad. But it’s for us to decide, it’s for the people to decide.” - Nathaniel Kahn, director of THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING, talking about people looking at art on their own terms.

Nathaniel Kahn, director of THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING

Filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn started with general idea of wanting to explore the relationship between art and money, and then went from there. His documentary, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING, looks at several areas of the contemporary art world. Kahn talks to artists, collectors, gallery owners, art critics and appraisers. The result is a fascinating look at a world most people only catch a glimpse of from far away.

One of the film’s most intriguing subjects is Chicago-based art collector Stefan Edlis. He and his partner, Gael Neeson, have an impressive collection of contemporary art inside their Chicago condo.

Art collector Stefan Edlis in front of artist Urs Fischer’s “Dried” collage and “Untitled (Candle)” sculpture as part of Edlis’ Chicago-based collection. Image courtesy of HBO.

Kahn also takes a look at an artist who walked away from guaranteed notoriety and economic success, to pursue his creative passions. Painter Larry Poons was once a darling of the contemporary scene, but his decision to explore other types of art leaves him all but forgotten in certain circles.

Kahn hopes the film inspires viewers to think about contemporary art different. After a theatrical run, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING is premiering on HBO Monday November 12 at 8pm. Check out thepriceofeverything.com for more information.