Paradise Theatre presents CONTOURS: a bimonthly screening series which compounds historic and theoretical practices of the art world with the cinematic, programmed by critic and curator Saffron Maeve.
Captured during the nascent stages of hip hop, Charlie Ahearn's Wild Style immortalizes the culture with ample collaboration from its pioneers. Echoing the fluidity of graffiti artists in action, the film's easy rhythm captures the vitality of the artform and wider movement. Loosely plotted, Wild Style traces the journey of teenager Raymond (Lee Quiñones), who moonlights as famed anonymous graffiti artist Zorro. Preferring to forge his own path, Raymond initially resists efforts to legitimize graffiti taken up by his peers until smooth talking man about town Phade (Fab 5 Freddy) convinces him to capitalize on his talents.
Performances from Grandmaster Flash, the Rock Steady Crew and other notable figures, coupled with a bursting musicality and verité quality, lends itself to seamless immersion in the film's world. The arrival of The Village Voice journalist Virginia (Patti Astor), dispatched to the Bronx to cover hip hop and graffiti marks a notable tonal departure, used to explore the beginnings of the form's subsequent legitimization and crossover into the fine art world. Culminating in a kinetic reverie, Wild Style ends on a note reminding viewers that iconoclast art movements live and thrive among the people.
This screening will be preceded by a virtual introduction from director Charlie Ahearn and a live introduction from Dr. Lauren McLeod Cramer- Assistant Professor in the Cinema Studies Institute at the University of Toronto.
Text by Iman Bundu
(Courtesy of Charlie Ahearn)
Sunday June 2nd, 7:30 PM/7 PM Doors
General Admission $12.50 | Student/Senior (with valid ID) $10.00 + HST/eventbrite fees
Door tickets are available for purchase on the day of screening. Refunds can be requested up to 12 hours before the screening. All refunds must be requested and processed through eventbrite.
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Blue Door Wine Shop | Café Paradise
