Dafen Village Exposed: The Replica Art Phenomenon | Perspective
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ย. 2022
- Until 1989, the village of Dafen in the city of Shenzhen, China was little more than a hamlet. It now has a population of 10,000, including hundreds of peasants-turned oil painters. In the many studios, and even in the alleyways, Dafen’s painters turn out thousands of replicas of world-famous Western paintings. Nobody thinks anything of an order for 200 Van Goghs. To meet their deadlines, painters sleep on the floor between clotheslines strung with masterpieces. In 2015, the turnover in painting sales was over $65 million.
Local painter Zhao has a dream to travel to Amsterdam to see the works of his legendary associate. After struggling and saving, he fulfils dream. In Europe, his encounter with van Gogh’s paintings brings an epiphany. Although dejected at the revelation, Zhao is inspired by van Gogh’s paintings and the hardships he suffered, and resolves to dedicate himself to his own original art
Subscribe and click the bell icon to get more arts content every week:
/ perspectivearts
Perspective is TH-cam's home for the arts. Come here to get your fill of great music, theatre, art and much, much more!
📺 It's like Netflix for history... Sign up to History Hit, the world's best history documentary service and get 50% off using the code 'PERSPECTIVE' bit.ly/3zj7Soo
They are not fakes. They are replicas. The Chinese artists who can paint Van Gogh paints so well deserve their own recognitions.
this!! and people know it's not the real thing anyway so it's not like they were deceiving people which is the implication with the word "fake"
Its more of “Reproduce” rather than fake. These Chinese artists, are talented. Just like him but in different era. Salute to all of them! ❤
@@peachbooks3199 this, that and the other
nahhh, if it's Chinese it's fake.
WTF
In the full version of the documentary, what shocked him the most was seeing the original Van Gogh in the museum. He looked at each painting carefully, and finally said that the colors were different. The paintings he copied tens of thousands of times are all computer or printed photos, and there are color differences. The oil paints of each painting in the museum are not as thick as he imagined, and the paintings are full of color gradients and delicate brushstrokes. Out of depression, is love and optimism. This made him a little shattered.
where is full documentary? I want to see it...
lol he will fix that dw
@@OfficialGOD he probably is going to open his own shop now he has seen where/how they are sold. also he has seen the real deal, he can pain in more details (color/accuracy/strokes etc...) and he can possibly make his own in van gogh and any other artist styles combines. and maybe be appreciated 50-100 years down the line
Isn't this the full documentary? It seems longer than the one on 'SBS on demand'. Or is this a documentary about the documentary?
@@WillLiang I'm not sure. I first saw this one, then searched elsewhere for the missing museum sequence. I found it on SBS, and just skimmed through it to find the sequence. Not sure why this one is longer. Maybe they made different versions for varying reasons.
The parallels between Van Gogh and Zhao were goose bump inducing. His perplexity and discomfort upon seeing that his works were merely just souvenirs nearly brought tears to my eyes. It must have felt the same for Vincent only selling one of his works throughout his life. Zhao, like Vincent, longed only for people to truly enjoy his work and garner something from it. Unlike Vincent, Zhao was capable of selling his art but not for the reasons he believed tucked away in his small little corner of the world. Maybe in a way, this was Vincent's way of looking out for him. Two men struggling in different eras with the same antagonizing quest for belonging in the art world.
Well said!
Second that... my sentiments exactly...
Why would you even buy one…horrendous.
@@banjopete They were actually pretty good. Of course not like an original...but not horrible either. He seemed passionate about making subtle changes to them to make them more authentic.
@@banjopete Why? Because it is better than a poster! Lol
As a descendant of van Gogh, for whatever it is worth to these painters I think what you’re doing is beautiful and the painting of your studio far surpasses any van Gogh copy you have painted. I really think you should move to Europe or North America and you will make a lot more money. I cried several times throughout this documentary. Life isn’t fair. And by all means pursue your own art!
Thank You
Well, not a "descendant," given that Vincent had no children. More like a very distant cousin?
I couldn't agree more when he painted his grandmother and his studio. Hats off to a brilliant artist who survives for his family. I was really moved towards watching the end bit
@@green74 my father Hendrik van Gogh is descended from Vincent’s Father’s brother. In other words, Vincent had an Uncle Hendrik van Gogh, and that is my father’s great great grandfather
@@kathyvangogh4034 - That's really interesting, but "descendant of" implies a direct line of descent. By your description, Vincent van Gogh would be your *first cousin* (i.e., your first cousin, four times removed: or put another way, your great great great grandfather's nephew). Coincidentally, I too have a famous first cousin, born in the same year (and month) as Vincent van Gogh: Howard Pyle (1853-1911) - painter, illustrator, novelist, and art teacher. He is my first cousin, three times removed (my great great grandfather's nephew). Howard Pyle's work was admired by Vincent van Gogh, who mentions Pyle about a dozen times in his collected correspondence.
I feel for Zhao when he has found out about value of his 20 years of work, but Van Gogh never had that chance. Traveling to Netherland might be the best thing in Zhao’s life because it has developed his artistic spirit rather than just artistic skills.
This documentary could have won one of the top documentary of the year, well done! I felt the emotion of the artist struggle in life just like Van Gogh!
I think I cried the most when they went to his grave. Such respect. I wish this man could make money from his own art, he is a wonderful painter in his own right. I hope things improve for him and his family, he deserves so much more.
I cried a lot too..this was tough to watch. Makes you realize that fame is just luck; there are countless people that can and do what you do. They just don't get the recognition.
Zhao is clearly a true artist, in his heart and soul. It is painful to see such a talented artist forced to only paint replicas of other artists, never being allowed to change a line, or put himself into his paintings.
He paints to live…yes, but he also paints because it is in him to paint. He seeks to understand the man he copies, but is not given the chance to examine his own inner drive to create, or find his own style.
The struggle is clear to see on his face, the dreams he speaks of, and the need for more. Those exist in the tension of endlessly repeating the same paintings over and over. We see his need to refine the paintings, to alter the image.
His exposure to the originals showed him a piece of his inner truth, and wakened the creativity within himself. He has what it takes to be a truly great painter in his own right, and to gain recognition for his unique vision.
He will always carry the influence of Vincent in his style, but he will create new images that Vincent never saw or put on canvas. I wish him all success in the future. He has paid his dues, and deserves the freedom every artist needs.🖤🇨🇦
His painting of the walkway in the village was pure genius I want to own this man's works of art and we do appreciate everything he and his family does. I have to find a way to say thank you to these painters these artist and tell them we see you.
What a wonderful sensitively made film...so much empathy for this man in the filming. You can feel the sadness and actually shock when he realises the buyer is only selling his work as cheap souvenirs not works of art. Heartening to see his mental transformation about his art...from being a "worker painter" to being an artist. I felt so sad for him as he said he felt lost after he came back. As an artist myself it is so inspiring to see him start to explore his OWN art and express HIMSELF instead of someone else. I hope he finds happiness and starts to charge properly for his work and that of the family.
What a life and a story! He and his friends makes true works of art here - even when copying - this is not simply "fake". Those aren't just copies... They are struggle for making a living, with personality behind them. And in the same time those works are admiration to what makes us humans - despite the ill economic and the ill social background. He and his friends should make stand alone exhibitions. True artists!
I found this fascinating but also heartbreaking. Seeing so many talented artists with no formal training, yet painting with such passion and technique. The only difference being they were all forced by economic circumstance to paint reproductions of famous paintings and not their own originals. I can only imagine the frustration and fear of not knowing how their own works will be received. I’m glad this has a somewhat uplifting ending when Zhao painted his grandmother and his village. Seeing his confidence slowly emerge was just lovely. I wonder if he has since sold any of his original works? I certainly hope so!
In my experience, most of the "copy painters" aren't "true" Artist-they are just beings with impressive technical skills-capable of, well, copying. I've know painters and even photographers like this. When these men have attempted to make original work-it was bad. In time, it became obvious to me that there are two kinds of painters (photographers);" those who are actual Artist-have good-quality-interesting-original thoughts/ideas and those who have the technical skills-to copy the work of others (or to use lighting and cameras to reproduce the techniques of others) . Overwhelmingly, most of these people fall into the latter category. This is not meant as an insult. It's an observation about different sets of innate abilities. I fall into the first group. My technical skills are no where as good/great as these painters but my original ideas are (according to others) pretty good. I respect both but will not call the latter group, "Artist."
You have very well described my thoughts
@@leonardodalongisland limited only by their slave status which includes no time to enjoy life and exercise their imagination from the childhood onwards. Tneir only training and obligation is to working hard. Really sad.
@@OdysseusMDA First; they chose these jobs. I don’t recall seeing anything about them being forced (slavery) to take a job as a painter. Yes the hours are demanding and unacceptable n by Western standards-but that’s typic life for these people. Second, my point has little to do with one’s “life conditions.” You may not know or understand this but an Artist is born-not made. He/she is born with creative abilities above and beyond those of “mortal men” (Superman reference). These individuals, sometimes, go on to acquire technical skills which enhance their innate abilities improving their natural skills. Technical skills add to the abilities of naturally-creative individuals. You can spend years (as these people do) learning the technical skills which may (and does in their cases) result in amazing-copy art but one will not become naturally creative (emphasis on the word, “naturally”). You can spend twenty years teaching technical basketball skills to a man who is five-foot-three inches and eighty pounds overweight, he will never be a professional or even college player. Why? Because he wasn’t born with body of a professional player nor does he posses the natural-athletic abilities. He may acquire the technical skills but he’ll never have the finesse or athletic mind or creativity that is required to be a top level athlete. For the most part, these people fall into the above category (not because of their race or circumstances but because of the “numbers”). Only X number of people on the planet are born with the innate abilities to be professional athletes or a True Artist. It’s not an insult to say, “That person doesn’t have the skills to be a pro athlete, or to be a True artist.” It’s a fact. End of my argument…But I do want to say, I have great respect-as a man and (in his case) Artist for the main "character" in this documentary and I would say he is an Artist.
@calamaresfrito Tell that to the hundreds of Artist I've know and know in my life.
The title is very disrespectful to these amazing Chinese craftsmen. This is one of the best documentaries on TH-cam.
Visually excellent but above all a sensitive portrayal. The - well, no spoilers! I'm very grateful to have seen this, and the many people presented.
My most important painting teacher, a really old guy who won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1919, told me to always remember that "We're all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us".
This documentary was very touching for me. I am a painter both original and I made stage sized copies by other artists for theatre. I made these large copies for about 10 years. It kind of screwed up my original art in some ways. A colleague that did the same job once said Van Gogh was the hardest copy he ever had to make. I never tried one. The hardest part to watch in this film was our star discovering just how his life’s work was being sold and how much he was being screwed. Watching it hit him in the gut and smoking like a chimney was so real. Being an artist is hard. Being a paint-worker looked really hard. This film will be on my mind for a long time.
What a cynically incendiary title, these are commercial reproduction of old masters, not “fakes.” You made them sound like crooks that tried to pass their paintings as genuine articles.
Because they are fakes. And they ARE trying to pass these off as genuine.
@@debravanausdale1063 Don't be silly. Impossible to pass off thousands of copies of famous paintings as originals. For a start modern pigments will be almost entirely different.
@@philiptownsend4026 I'm not silly. They are fakes, and I don't care one whit if they are framed as "reproductions." They are NOT, they are simply cheap fakes.
Then don’t watch and leave us alone
@@artelc Oh, who is this “us” that you’re speaking for?
My deep respect for the work and the struggle! I wish someone from Europe would contract him for some original work, and pay him decently
Wow! This is such a trip. Of self-discovery. Of a world that’s not fair. Of what it means to be an artist. And the power of meeting our heroes.
I came across this purely by chance and was captivated - beautiful, sensitive film-making. It moved me to tears several times and will stay with me.
same here
Glad I’m not the only one feeling the same!
A very touching film. I've been to Amsterdam and Paris to see Van Gogh's paintings and traveled to Arles to visit the hospital where Van Gogh spent his last few years. It's quite difficult for me to describe the emotions I get while watching this film after seeing all that.
It was absolutely the wisest move for him to visit the Musem in Amsterdam to see the real thing with his own eyes. And very heartbreaking of seeing him pondering in the rain, realizing and accepting how much his works are worth in the reality. The most touching part is when he pays a visit and worships at Van Gogh's grave in a traditional Chinese way. This guy has a deep passion and love just for Van Gogh. All art painters would want to become an artist, and I wish one day his dream would come true.
1:10:52 when the person said to take a picture instead of painting it really made him sad. But after seeing the results it was a thousand times more beautiful than what a camera would have done.
I am actually quite glad to hear the comment. Yes it must have been quite hurtful to hear but it also illustrated everyone’s different values in life. A master piece can’t be summarized with a click of a button.
Very true.
A photograph can NEVER capture a paintings beauty.
nah, dude in the car was joking. you hear his "hehe"
That exact comment has been made to many painters by many bystanders who are completely out of touch with expressing themselves. The correct reply is "Taking a picture is what a Google Maps Camera Car is for. I'm here to express how I feel and capture it in my artwork. You sound like the type who buys an inflatable doll instead of making a life with a real woman." THAT is the reply for people who make comments like that.
Apart from the fact that this documentary is probably one of the best I've seen in years, the title doesn't do justice to the film. I think something like "Zhao & Vincent" would be much more accurate.
They work so hard and get paid little. I'm sad for them in this regard. Their passion and understanding for the art is strong. Great Documentary.
starving artist.....usually don't get recognized until dead.
Pay much they get drunk
Gambling
he sell for 8 euro, which is sold for 30. yeah there is difference, but he forget the guy pay rent in euro and living costs in euro too, also the shipping cost? i doubt it is cheap. all considered probably comes to 50/50 . it is not like the guy spends his earnings in yuan in Netherlands. no body complains when apple makes things for 200 and sells for 1000+ or nike making things for 20 and selling them over 150! yeah europeans enjoys cheap cost of labor from china but it is what it is. i think it is fair trade as long as both parties agree things up front and child labor is not used/abused.
Every artis have miserable life until they passed away.
This story is as profound as the story of Van Gogh and it has brought tears to our eyes. From us all in Queensland Australia a big thank you for the best film we have seen in ages. You have the gift.
Excellent documentary ... loved that the filmmaker wove a compelling, immersive and rich depiction of his subject/s with a tapestry of expressively framed images and expertly captured background soundscapes. The editing was superlative.
The absence of a pontificating narration polluting the viewed experience and allowing just the camera and soundtrack to simply and unobtrusively ‘speak’ was compelling and drew me in ... I became emotionally invested with his story.
So much so I am writing a comment about this episode of Perspective ...
Would he get to see the Van Gogh originals? What impact would those paintings and the whole ‘ European Experience’ have on him?
The film captured the essence of Zhao’s poignant and painterly existential journey, unfolding as it did and on so many levels, as filming progressed.
Really really good work.
What a banquet of visual inspiration surrounding Zhao in his own backyard and how wonderful that he realised his worldview was just as worthy to be immortalised as Van Gogh’s. His years of copying Van Gogh obviously developed his skill with oils/colour and brushwork so, consequentially, the paintings he produced of the view into his Grandmothers back alley and his own early workshop/painting “factory” were fucking awesome.
He just needs to develop a good relationship with the ‘right’ gallery/clients in Europe or the USA who see the intrinsic value in his work and not just as a grossly underpaid, paint-by-numbers copyist working in a sweat factory and enabling obscene profits to be made by others.
I hope this documentary facilitates that recognition.
Zhao needs a real partner. A collective studio in the US that guaranteed artist happiness before all else....
Wonderful assessment of the film and the realities behind it. Thanks, Ronn
what a summary
Wow, people in Dafen are so talented, respect to all of them. All paintings look magnificent. Also, I am happy that Xiaoyong achieved his dream. Watching how he rediscovered himself after the journey was awesome. I would like to see his paintings in a museum too.
Does the tight family dinner scene remind you of the Potato Eaters? But happier. Judging by his early life, Van Gogh would have been proud that their way of life was improved with the help of his work, that was not so famous in his lifetime. They should use cartoons or projections to get the correct proportions. Artists do it all the time.
Powerful and poignant. I need to comment but can not find the right words. His trip to Amsterdam I found to be heart-breaking. In the end, we are all painter-artist, we copy, we learn, and perhaps we steal a little here and a little there and then call it our own but whether consciously or subconsciously we borrow from the greats and try to make our own mark. True his works are copies but they have brought joy to people. In their apartment, they have a piece of Van Gogh. His brilliance and passion lives on. I think this will affect me about as much as "Old Yeller". It will take a while for my brain to let go of some of the human ethos it laid bare. Thank You.
I like your name, Nelson. All of art history is our foundation. And man o man do we have a hard act to follow. Those old masters kicked ass. Shoot for the stars, but be happy with making it to the moon.
As Australian Vietnamese I can see so many poignant moments from when his daughter cry cause she felt disconnected, to his shock of the souvenirs booth to his own work at the end… so touching. We took for granted what some people can only dream of the life we’re living.
I can’t stop my tears so many times ! The most part touched me is being a paint worker like him ,come from very low class and poor family , he still keep his dream . He try to be better ! And seeks his dream ! That is too precious ❤❤❤
Strangely, Van Gogh wanted an artists colony in Arles, which he tried to start with Gauguin; so a village of oil painters is more Van Gogh-esque than what was achieved in his lifetime.
I think van would have relished in the fact that thousands of Chinese people are sweating in hallways every day copying his art works. I would have had a giggle if i was Van Gogh.
@@barristanselmy2758 have you ever read Van Gogh's letters?
he was a very sensitive man.....and used art as a means of expression.....he would not approve of a bunch of non-talented artists duplicating his work.....nor would any real artist....there is simply no value to this junk.....except for people who collect junk
he wanted a colony of artists...not a colony of forgers..devoid of any artistic skill
@@jadezee6316 Did you even watch the film?
@@jadezee6316 Definitely you have no idea what life is when you are poor, the guy didn’t have money for school then took on painting job to support himself and family! An honest man who works hard and here people like you complaining his work! He may not be an artist by choice but he takes his work best he can! He shows the world he didn’t take a short cut in life, something we all can learn from! Watch the video and you may appreciate his art!
This piece was so well photographed; the cityscapes, the village, the people, everything. Thank you.
This story has a little bit of everything and was told exceptionally well. The music, the cinematography, the narrative, and the cast of characters pulled me in and held me captive. Zhao's experiences were well worth telling; his story is eye-opening and inspiring, too. Well done!
This took me by surprise. Very emotionally engaged even though I was just skimming through the sections. I plan to watch it carefully sometime soon. Thank you for creating and sharing this with us. The people in this doc deserved every second of it.
This was extremely moving. Thank you for this amazing content.
I love your painting @ 1:11:03 that village alley painting is so beautiful. Would love to own one of your original paintings. I find it more meaningful and beautiful than those van gogh copies you made. Was sad to hear you say you're lost after the Amsterdam trip, but i hope you find yourself again and continue doing what you love and be successful.
If he can paint the replica so well from the original. He is no simple artist. I always admire these hidden artist. Damn Talented.
A beautifully made film and very thought provoking to me a lifelong admirer of Vincent having read all I can find about him and attended his centenary in Amsterdam. The Chinese way of life and working was fascinating too and much there to think about. Shall have to watch this multiple times to try to fully appreciate all the different levels in it.
Incredibly moving and fascinating. And these people are amazing artists anyway, no matter what context we look at their work.
Deeply moving story. Thank you so much for making it.
When Xiaoyong went back to his hometown to paint it was just like Van Gogh's earliest stages in his career, dedicating his art to embodying rural people and humble lifestyles. He and these painters are truly students and spiritual proteges of Van Gogh.
Beautiful documentary. It's been a while since I was this moved. Some of the life lessons here are still echoing in my mind and heart. Thank you.
Zhao has a passion that is infectious. I watched the second half with a lump in my throat and teardrops waiting. I saw true artists in this piece… people who kept the impressionist alive in our eyes. Inspired by Van Gogh and brought to life by skilled and passionate hands. Thank you.
What beautiful made film. Gosh I felt like crying when they reached the cemetery.
His own paintings at the end, using the same art strokes and impasto technique as Van Gogh make them so beautiful. Watching the hard work, a compact art studio with quite a few people painting in it, and each one mastering the skills, is amazing. I can see the journey it took for Zhao to realize that he could paint his own art. I enjoy the end of this video. It is nice to see his own paintings using the environment around him as subject matter. I would buy his original art. They look stunning.
it has been a long time since I've seen such a well conceived documentary...a tear jerker
This was beautifully well-made. Bittersweet and touching
Glad you enjoyed it!
Most beautiful, most moving, I am in tears. Thank you.
These people have such incredible integrity. Perhaps you could call their work, 'inspired copies' instead of "fake". This represents a culture clash. In European derived cultures copying is considered ‘bad’. So bad that there are laws against it.
In Chinese tradition the student was instructed to copy the master works until they could be reproduced perfectly, not only the brush strokes but also the feeling behind the inspiration. Producing a first rate copy in that tradition is a point of honour. Only then, after the apprentice achieved mastery, did the artist be allowed to create their own works. Eventually they became the master and in the future students reproduce their works on their learning journey.
I think we see that sense of accomplishment in these guy’s orientation to their work.
Thanks for bringing this incredible documentary to us. It is among the most inspiring ones that I have seen. Ronn
Great documentary - filled with creativity and a light on the Soul. Wonderful. Thank U for making this.❣
Wow! this film is full of beauty and resonates in my heart. I am not a painter but I am a musician.
It came to me in a hard moment of my life when i have a lot of questions about my own career and personal ideas... Really an inspiring documentary
This makes me very sad. They’re clearly talented, but they’re painting out of necessity, for survival. The conditions look very bleak.
For those saying they feel conflicted, or that this is wrong: countless prints & merchandise with Van Goghs (& other artists) paintings get made/sold every day. Artists constantly try to replicate the old Masters in order to improve their own skills. Nobody buys these fakes thinking it’s the real deal.
I think Van Gogh would have pity on these forgers. For they don’t paint for their own joy or nagging need to create what they see in their mind….but to simply eat & support their families. It gives the term ‘starving artist’ a completely different feeling.
True. As an artist I would love to get paid to paint, even if they are replicas. For some artists that is preferable to doing other things for money.
This makes me extraordinarily angry. These are FAKES, and they should all be destroyed.
Exactly!
His condition is no more bleak than many places in the US. Have you been to the Bronx? Northern Maine? Central Alabama? Arizona? Really.
What a weird take. They seem to live happily and love what they do. They have shetler/food/friends/access to technology and market for their paintings. How is that "bleak"?
Such a beautiful story. Well deserved this man to see and feel Van Goghs history. Well done nice documentary.
I just about cried man. Thanks for sharing the film.
I loved this film - both form and content. Congratulations.
Fantastic cinematography!!! A highly artistic film about a reproducer of art who became an artist in his own right. Well done!!!
It would be interesting to see similar pieces done of talented painters living in other areas of the world too, florals from Italy and Mexico come immediately to mind. Well, that is what is so wonderful about TH-cam, the artists/crafters carrying on old traditions is so fascinating.
What an artistic video you have made. Van Gogh would have been fascinated and amazed that so many people copying his work. It tells me great art is more than technique and has to do with this god given gift to compose.
I themed a holiday in Provence once around visiting places where Vincent painted. Found quite a few. The Arles hospital garden was amazingly like the painting still.
Is that where Van Gogh shot himself?
@@karlabritfeld7104 No. That he shot himself is a popular fallacy. His work was going well and he was just starting to achieve recognition. He had good reasons to be optimistic.
He never mentioned anything to do with guns in his letters to brother Theo and he did not own or have any need of a gun, a kind gentle, intelligent, academic, and compassionate man, guns would have revolted him. No gun was ever found and connected with his shooting.
And moreso, many years after Vincent's death a man on his deathbed confessed to shooting Vincent while he and another small boy were playing with a gun. That story is much more credible and it fits the facts much better than suicide does.
Rest in peace Vincent.
Un documental muy hermoso y sentimental, me alegra ver la vida de personas que trabajan en el ambito del arte de diferentes maneras que nunca esperarias.
Excellent documentary. I am blown away by the deep emotions expressed in this soulful journey. Thank you!
The Chinese are just amazing people they are so enterprising and never make a fuss they just keep on going. Most extraordinary people on the planet.
Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite painter. His story is heartbreaking , somehow similar to Zhao. I hope he finds his true self/style even before 50 years from now so he can be fulfilled and happy. Excellent documentary, extremely poignant. Thank you for sharing.
Very touching and wonderful.
Very touching documentary! Those painters are truly talented. Being educated doesn't necessarily help us to be better painters. Most people cannot paint by just looking at the picture of a painting. It was so touching when Zhao talked about he only finished elementary school and had to drop off the school because the family had no money. (39:58) He could have a better future.
This is one of the very best documentaries I've ever seen. I feel a connection with these good-hearted people.
A fine piece of film-making. All the comments here are wonderful and touching. It is a remarkable documentary and the feelings it generates, from art and craft to self-discovery to sadness to politics and economics are encapsulated in all these comments which could be mine as well. One question I have: My guess is they did not have permission to film within the Van Gogh museum which would have been extraordinary. But I'm sorry there were no scenes coming from the museum...to see his expression, listen to him after seeing his Van Goghs, Not sure why this wasn't included...I missed this moment...
I think the full version of the documentary included scenes where he visited the museum, or at least it's included in the trailer. He looked at the original for a long time, and said "The colour is different" ......
I never thought I could feel this much on any painting looking at his originals. Specially at his painting of that alley.
Absolutely brilliant!
Extraordinary making! What human drama! Touching, poignant and very truthful!
Crazy is that all these people have so much talent but because the art industry is so competitive, this was their only option
He gives me that legendary sloppy protagonist vibe that lost his way in the beginning and later got an inspiration and became a myth himself, this video is very inspirational for me. Can't find the right words to describe this man, but he's definitely a legend for me. Fighting!!!
This story was so heartfelt and gut wrenching. It was not about Chinese counterfeiters, but the story of an artists fight for acceptance and recognition,and the story of one man following in the footsteps of his idol in almost every way. The struggle of artists is truly universal. One day, as he said, he may be recognized for his work in his own country in their own history of art.
I am very glad that they decided to do their own original paintings in the end.
This documentary took us on quite the journey! Very well done. It’s gut-wrenching but I learned a lot. I wish nothing but the best for Zhao. It would be good if he had his own website as well to sell the reproductions directly. The disillusionment when he discovered the details of his resellers in Amsterdam, heartbreaking.
I very much hope that they make their own website and social media for their art. I wish them all the best, I’m sure Van Gogh would appreciate them too if he were alive.
Thank you Perspective for an incredible and eye opening documentary!
I agree! 100%!
watch this document till the end . i almost cry when Zhao realize he must have his own painting. Glad he come this far
A master Van Gogh reproduction painter who has painted thousands of his works cannot afford the air tickets to visit Van Gogh's Museum in Netherlands. Top paintings sold for millions by Sotheby's or Christie's are done for clients who mostly use them for tax evasion or other nefarious purposes. Such is the sad irony of this world we live in! Through the years, I've learned to give my utmost respect to one who makes an honest living, no matter how demeaning or meager the work fetched. Painters and craftsmen are definitely at the top of my lists. I also learn to shun people who show an exorbitance of wealth. Because I know, beneath the veneer of luxury, lies emptiness and unending dissatisfactions. Those satisfied with their honest living, however, lies beneath them a spirit of unending strengths.
It’s amazing how Van Gogh and Zhao are from different times and cultures and yet so similar. it was pretty sad to hear when the man in the car made a remark to Zhao when it was painting the stone alleyway. “You could’ve taken a picture of it.”
That exact comment, "just take a picture", has been made to many painters by many bystanders who are completely out of touch with expressing themselves. The correct reply is "Taking a picture is what a Google Maps Camera Car is for. I'm expressing how I feel and capturing it in my artwork. You sound like the type who buys an inflatable doll instead of making a life with a real woman." THAT is the reply for people who make ignorant comments like that.
So much respect for the filmmaker and the humans in this video.
It's good to admire Van Goghs. He is a legend. But Van Gogh himself will tell to paint your own painting, to express yourself through your own painting.
HATTS OFF TO ALL TEAM, FROM DIRECTORS TO BG MUSIC EDITORS AND ALL TEAM, FOR MAKING THIS MASTERPIECE, IT CHANGED A LOT THE WAY I THINK AS PAINTER. PAINTING IS ONE OF THE MOST PAINFUL THING TO DO WHEN YOU HOW TO PAINT SPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE SINCERE, HOW EVER SINCERITY IS THE HARDEST THING TO DO, ANYWAY...THANKS
Wow! You hit this one out of the ballpark! It really inspired me to be "Emillo: The New Andy Warhol!" Your Perspective videos are my favorite videos to watch right now as I sit on the cliffs edge of Fame and Fortune. One day you will do a video on me!
You must make more of these videos and to show how the people live is fascinating as is the whole show.
I’ve been to this village 20 years ago. There is an art school near by so many students paint copies of famous arts to polish their skills and to earn some money. I bought two copies of my favorite painters work, paid $10 a piece, still own and enjoy these two pieces. Call them whatever you want, there is demand then there is supply. There is another town you can buy almost all the name brand audio equipments, OEM version. I bought two tube amps there, $1000 each and would cost about $6000 each if I bought from the French label.
Is there a website for this?
It fascinate me how van gogh an artist who strive for recognition of his art shared the same path on what other artist who look up to him now.
I’m surprised nobody commented on the kid who wanted to quit but can’t.
Great documentary!
It was an interesting segment of the documentary I came away with two ah ha thoughts about that scene, first the employer employees relationship and the struggle of earning a living in China and also as an artist and the demand put upon the skills that it takes to make something by hand, especially in a workshop/ sweatshop condition. Second, the artist in training with the master the eye of the master seeing in a moment with the trained eye the mis-takes of the let's say apprentice and the frustrating emotional response of the "apprentice" the knowing of the master that he has hit a plateau which happens and trys by forceful language to make him push through. Whether for the paycheck or livelyhood the guy has to stick with it. Does he succeed does he become more proficient? And does he earn a living working as ant artist artisan?
powerful. I love you tube ive learnt so much watching the films they have on this site ,TH-cam ROCKS
i teared up man, i think this is not the first time i saw this documentary or the story of zhao, the editing and cinematography or something like that is really incredible
ps : the capitalism part is so heartbreaking man, the importer really squeezed tf out of zhao
documenting and editing was over the top
Remarkable story. Thank you and good luck.
Thank you for this moving artwork
"I paint so so hard every day but don't earn much." Heart breaking.
The Painters are deserving of respect for thier talent, very impressive art work. I can only dream of painting Like this.
Life is short, very very short. Art is long, very very long.
Yea shorted sighted humans' motto
This just became a top 5 doc for me.
For me ,a Chinese!Just first time know that Shenzhen city have a place like this! They are great artist !
What a poingnant documentary. I really appreciated the documentarian allowing the artists and their lives speak for themselves.
Art imitates life, rarely, the other way around. Cool content!) Cheers!)
No blame could be placed on these obviously very talented artists, because they're working for a living, for survival. If anyone wants to place blame then do it to the ppl buying these. As a visual artist myself, there's a degree of sadness which honestly I do feel, but I'm also very happy to see VVG's bright, and colorful works spreading love and beauty worldwide. My only hope is that the artists are being paid fairly and equally. Cheers from sunny FL.
Agree 💯. It was heartbreaking when he realised how much profit the Dutch merchant was making out of his paintings!
great documentary very touching how he paid homage to Van Gogh, a true artist
I was so impressed with this! So where is the link to their website to buy one of their paintings? In Michaelangelo’s day, they would be considered “the School of Michaelangelo”. Not any derogatory word like copying. They are excellent technicians, for sure. Make more money by investing in a multi language website, you deserve it! Feed yourself by painting from your heart in a style that makes you happy, and don’t mix the experience with money. Make portraits for money! Lots of rich folks would pay bundles!