One of the most prolific entertainment, decorative, and visual enjoyment mediums is a three letter word, ART. Although most people think of artistic beauty as a scene, portrait or design on canvas, like the saying goes “Art is in the eye of the beholder”. The beauty of it all is that art can be created by anyone and it may even be considered an innate talent, but with a lot of exposure, a woeful story, a shtick or a gimmick one can become a renowned artist. However, what makes Ken Foster an artist may not be something everyone can do. The film Ken Foster is now available VOD or Digital HD.
A beginning note: Art competitions like the one you will see in this film involve amazing painters. It’s called an ”Art Battle”. References will be made about an Art Battle in which Ken Foster participated in this film review.
But first the doc goes into his background of growing up with an eye of creativity. Ken Foster was diagnosed with bi-polar schizophrenia with his claiming that he gets electrical impulses from the air to guide him in his works. As a “homeless” man most every day into the wee hours of the morning, Ken sells his art on Vancouver street corners and it gives him some income and self-worth. He uses any kind of display materials he can get his hands on from umbrellas to canvas to lampshades to even the side of a building. He paints whatever’s on his mind and includes portraits from his mentally effected mind, street scenes, and even takes requests for specific location scenes and even local buildings. He paints with his fingers, rags, brushes, spray paint, charcoal, and whatever’s at hand, even an ice tea drink for his water colors.
His life beyond his early years has been one of a recluse living in places he can afford with the income he gets from selling his art on the street, some of them that are still wet from being just painted. To the ordinary Joe it would be considered a sad life that has evolved from his mental state, but to others who know him personally, it is his destiny. You have often heard of the expression of “starving artist” and it would probably fit the life of Ken Foster. Very little fanfare surrounds him, but those who purchase his art and resell the pieces, single him out as one of the greats.
In the film you will witness Ken Foster’s talent under pressure when he competes with other artists in an Art Battle. For a small prize of $500, probably donated by those present in the audience of the large venue, artists are on a quest of being recognized as the best. With a limited time of 20 minutes, they are pushed to display their talent on canvas and will be judged by the audience with secret ballot. The challenge is incredible and an amazing thing to watch.
Thanks to the rigorous work of director, writer and even photography of Josh Laner for this amazing look into the life of one of the interesting subjects in the world of Art. I recommend the film highly, not only for the in-depth look into the street art world, but the examining of the person within Ken Foster to whom this filmmaker has brilliantly allowed us to see.
The movie Ken Foster has been rated PG by the cable/TV rating system, but contains a lot of crude/rude language, an inordinate amount of drug use, sexual innuendos and psychological material. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are very inappropriate for the under 17. Keep watching to the end of the credits, because following them are parting words from Ken Foster.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An amazing documentary that outshines most biographies I’ve seen in the past. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Ken Foster
Directed and written by: Josh Laner
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: TV PG, contains language, drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min
Opening Date: September 25, 2018
Distributed by: Gravitas Ventures
Released in: VOD, Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
