Photo: Supplied
Never shy of dealing with controversy, Luit Bieringa has often tackled complex and flawed New Zealand cultural figures in his films. As an art historian, filmmaker, and former National Art Gallery director, Bieringa’s subjects have included the late art dealer Peter McLeavey, photographer and fellow Dutch emigrant Ans Westra and art educator Gordon Tovey.
In his new film, Signed, Theo Schoon, Bieringa turns his attention to another problematic trailblazer. A 2019 survey exhibition of Schoon, Split Level View Finder, was subject to protests over racism and cultural appropriation. Signed, Theo Schoon addresses the protests but also Schoon’s relationship with Māori art and communities, told in his own words and firsthand accounts by others.
Signed, Theo Schoon is screening as part of NZIFF. Head over here for details.
