JASON MCLEAN:
Boomerang Smile
Documentaries by Jane Brill, "Boomerang Smile" and "Al Diaz: Like a Bomb," delve into the life, art, and personal philosophy of Jason McLean and Al Diaz. Van Der Plas Gallery will hold a screening to accompany the show, “Toonies 'N' Loonies: Three Canadians,” which will be on view June 5th, 2025.
Jason McLean, Al Diaz, and filmmaker Jane Brill will be present for discussions and a reception after the screening.
RESURRECT DEAD:
The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles
Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles is an acclaimed documentary directed by Jon Foy, which won Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. It features Justin Duerr, a multifaceted artist, who will be showcasing his solo exhibition at Van Der Plas Gallery from September 27th to October 20th, 2024. This exhibition provides an opportunity to experience Duerr’s artistic talents beyond his film work, offering a deeper exploration of his unique perspective and creative process.
AL DIAZ:
Like a Bomb
In 1976 Al Diaz and Jean-Michel Basquiat became fast friends at City As High School in New York. Together, they created SAMO©, the street tag that would change the course of their lives forever. With a high-powered music track, Artist and graffiti legend Al Diaz recounts this gritty coming-of-age story and lands us in the here and now with his poignant messages and hard-won wisdom.
“AL DIAZ: LIKE A BOMB," a film by Jane Brill, won Best Documentary at the 2022 Film Crash Film Festival in Santa Monica and the Latino International Film Expo in Chicago. It continues to be presented at other film festivals and venues both locally and internationally.