New Tate film series 6. Unlock Art: Great Double Acts

The Kills. Film still from Unlock Art: Great Double Acts © Tate Films

Film still from Unlock Art: Great Double Acts © Tate Films

I have to admit, when I heard that the mighty Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince of the Kills were presenting Tate’s latest film series on art, I thought they would be tackling the little discussed subject of the cross-over between music and art. The topic, though, was not about the double act of music and art, but of artistic duos and the importance of collaboration in the artistic process – a given, one might think, but none the less an interesting concept because the dynamic of the relationship and its link with the creative output makes for such a fascinating subject.

The film began with famous duos in music and entertainment, before moving on to art, citing examples of different artistic duos, and the long history of collaboration in art. Where it really came to life for me, was when it moved on to analyse the different ways in which artistic duos collaborate, providing succinct examples of artists as well as showing works in context – an aspect which the Tate Series have excelled in. Examples included a less trammelled choice of collaborators – one would not initially have thought of Leigh Bowery as a collaborator with Lucian Freud – as well as the difficulties of collaborating such as the pressure of working in such close proximity, using Marina Abromovic and Ulay – which made for thought provoking content that would appeal to any art aficionado, however elementary or specialist their knowledge.

I was sceptical about Hince and Mosshart as presenters, rather unfairly because they are so high profile and uber-cool, but also – and more legitimately – because I felt their overt stardom might in some way overwhelm the film. However, the strong dynamic between the two artists enabled them to pull off a tough balancing act of providing both pizzazz and credibility to the film. Add to this their ironic, insouciant style and I was worn over – after all, who better to present a film about collaboration in art than two artists who’ve been collaborating for over twelve years. For The Kills fans there are also humorous outtakes and a behind the scenes interview.

Great Double Acts is the sixth Unlock Art film in the series of eight. Produced in collaboration between Tate and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, it covers major art movements and themes in art. The films have featured a diverse range of presenters – actors, comedians and writers that are very much in the now and enjoy a wide appeal. The popularity of the presenters would no doubt have helped the films appeal to a broad audience, but the credibility of the series and its engagement lies with the strong synergy between the coupling of presenter and the subject. E.g. Frank Skinner with performance and Jemima Kirke with women in art. The content avoids a didactic or starchy approach, and all presenters complement the light-hearted style, making for a humorous and informative series.

Click on the links to view the film Tate film series 6. Unlock Art: Great Double Acts, the outtakes and the behind the scenes interview.