Project: KEN DEWEY - This is a Test
Ken Dewey died tragically in 1972 and this is the first and only documentary film to be made about his life. In his too brief career Dewey's life intersected with a diverse set of cultural icons, activists and influencers: Chet Baker, Lee Breuer, John Giorno, Jon Hendricks, John Lennon, Faithkeeper Oren Lyons, Anthony Martin, Charlotte Moorman, Odetta, Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, Terry Riley, Carolee Schneemann, Ramon Sender, Robert Wilson, and many others.
Between 1959 and 1972 the unheralded yet pivotal New York artist Ken Dewey reimagined the function of art in society.
With the film’s backdrop of racial tension, Native American injustices, environmental pollution by large corporations and the invasion of new media into every home in America, it is hard not to draw parallels with today.
Dewey deeply believed that the potential of art to impact society in a tangible way was grossly under-utilized. Half a century after his death, the film of his life hopes to honor his legacy.
“I am not interested in devoting my life to a fringe curiosity or diversion. It is precisely because I feel that the theatre can function in a substantial and meaningful way that I choose to be a part of it.” – Ken Dewey
This is the the only film about his life.
The Poster
The challenge for the festival poster at the documentary festival in NYC was that all the contributors needed to be featured. This was the final result.
