Post #468011 by Paipo on Thu, Jul 9, 2009 11:17 PM

Meant to post this here a while back- I have been searching for somewhere to see this film for years and finally came across it on a local website:

A homage to Dusky Maiden images as well as a playful take on the low art of velvet painting, Sima Urale’s second film Velvet Dreams provides a tongue-in-cheek exploration of Pacific Island stereotypes. Part detective story, part documentary, an unseen narrator goes in search of a Dusky Maiden painting he has fallen in love with. Along the way he meets artists, fans and critics of the kitsch art genre as well as the Gaugin-like figure of Charlie McPhee. The film won Best Documentary at the 1997 Yorkton Film Festival, Canada.

http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/velvet-dreams-1997

I only got around to watching it the other day and it was well worth the wait. I have seen a few McPhee velvets on my travels here and in the Cook Islands. He has a unique and accomplished style, quite distinct from the other big names of vintage velvet. One sold locally for just under $1k last week. One day...(wistful sigh)

Aside: There is so much good stuff online for free in NZ it's unbelievable - there are also some great docos on Maori art and culture, and movies such as "The Piano" available to watch on that site if you have a look around. Enjoy!