A Documentary on Uniqueness

 A documentary, 'The Sorcerer' by Felix Guardia, chronicles the legacy of artist, Julio Zachrisson - and is a must see.

The film blends various media forms: animation, archival footage, interviews, and present-day filming to exhibit Zachrisson's artworks (known for their unsettling depictions) to life. "Art is useless, said Zachrisson, "but we can't live without it."

Zachrisson at home in Madrid

The film is about Guardia's quest to meet the artist. A friendship is developed, and the film offers viewers a reflection into this relationship. We are treated to photos of Zachrisson's works - the exaggerated human forms which were, at first, unaccepted by the public. He left his native Panama in 1953 never to return and died in 2021 in Madrid, at the age of 91. 

The documentary's goal is to preserve and amplify the artist's impact on contemporary art, which has reached across the globe. Interactive museum exhibitions are planned and a comprehensive digital archive of Zachrisson's works is on-going.

"I want the audience to feel the same shock and fascination I did when I first encountered his work," says Guardia, "I want them to question their own perceptions and dare to see beyond the surface."

Zachrisson's paintings and drawings can be seen in art galleries and museum across the world, at the MOMA in NYC, the Smithsonian in DC, to the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad.

If you get the opportunity, this is a must-see film about an artist with a view of the world like no other as depicted in his works. Truly one-of-a-kind vision.

By: Jim Lavorato