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The 24 Hour a Day Life of Benny Andrews

The artist, educator, and activist Benny Andrews in candid conversation about his life and work.
This article is part of From the Vaults, a series that shines a light on the Museum’s audiovisual archive.

The artist, educator, and activist Benny Andrews (1930–2006) is remembered today for his intimate portraiture and fantastical scenes of American life. In 1969, Andrews was among the artists who founded the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition (BECC) in response to The Met’s controversial exhibition “Harlem on My Mind.” The group challenged the authority of mainstream cultural institutions and helped establish alternative arts-education programs in correctional facilities across the country. This rarely seen documentary features Andrews in candid conversation about funding in the arts, increasing access to higher education for under-served communities, and what it means to “make it” as an artist in America.


A group of men in historical military uniforms aim rifles in an art studio with paintings in the background.
Video
May 20, 2022
Still from "The Living Room" of Berenice Abbott sitting in an armchair in front of a fire with a camera on the table in front of her
Filmmakers Martha Wheelock and Kay Weaver discuss their memories of living and working with the legendary photographer.
Christopher Alessandrini and Stephanie Wuertz
June 24, 2022