Top 10 Art Documentaries on Amazon Prime Video

In the early 1990’s a loose-knit group of like-minded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip-hop, and graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Developing their craft with almost no influence from the “establishment” art world, this group created a movement that transformed pop culture.

Underground artist Mike Diana is the first, and only, cartoonist to be convicted of artistic obscenity in the USA. This alarming doc reveals how Diana crashed against the boundaries of free speech with his graphic portrayals of sex, violence, religion and abuse. A horrifying look at how easily the law can cast aside the first amendment to take down a transgressor of good taste.

Whether you are a successful artist or struggling to create while working a 9-5, there is a common thread amongst most creative types: a depression that is kept at bay by producing new works.

Beauty Is Embarrassing is the story of the vaulted high’s and crushing low’s of one of America’s most important story. Known for being one of the creators of Pee-wee’s Playhouse White has recently become a darling of the fine art world but not of it came easy. Filmmaker Neil Berkeley delivers a personal look at what it’s like to follow your passion and do what you love no matter what.

In this intimate documentary, Holt Hamilton captures the story behind the humble and passionate Oreland C. Joe. A man whose ability to capture human emotion in his intricate sculptures has brought him worldwide recognition and numerous awards and honors. He serves as a role model for artists, young and old, as to what can be achieved when passion meets hard work and determination.

How far would you go to pursue your passion? At 87 years old, Hank Virgona commutes to his Union Square studio six days a week and makes art. Despite poor health, cancer, lack of revenue and obscurity as an artist, Hank is unrelenting in his quest to understand how life and art are the same.

The childhood, adolescence, and incredible adult years of Al Hirshfeld, celebrated creator of thousands of line drawings of famous people – many in the entertainment industry – over a span of more than sixty years.

Steve Rude is “The Dude” – an eccentric personality as colorful as his comic book art. Filmmaker Ian Fischer (Magritte Moment) documents Rude’s descent into the world of fine art in Rude Dude, where the artist trades the comic book shop for art gallery walls while dealing with his own personal demons.

In 60+ years as a visionary artist, Miriam has overcome loss and tragedy, yet remains creative and strong. Her haunting paintings are housed at prestigious cultural institutions, including the Met and Whitney. Now over 90, her memory fades, yet she still makes forceful art. This is a profile of an artist who has elevated her empathy for the struggle of victims into powerful portrayals of dignity.

Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ Explores the remarkable art and life of painter extraordinaire Robert Williams an American underground legend, examining the territory between pop culture and fine art, and measuring the multiple meanings of “success” – financial, artistic, popular and critical.