New documentary explores Romare Bearden’s life through collage

A new documentary explores artist Romare Bearden’s life and work through a collage-like structure.

Rather than tell his story in order, the film connects themes across different periods of his life.

It touches on his family’s participation in the Great Migration and follows recurring motifs, including trains, in his art.

Recordings of Bearden let him speak about his memories, artistic process and influences.

His experiences ranged from the South and Harlem to Pittsburgh, as well as studies at the Sorbonne, military service and semiprofessional baseball.

His work is now seen as emblematic of the broader Black experience of the era.

The documentary is set to screen at DOC NYC.