10 Must-Watch Biopics on Modern Art

Description: Although set in the Renaissance, this film about Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling captures the essence of artistic struggle and genius, themes resonant in modern art.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, with the actual Sistine Chapel ceiling being recreated for the movie.

Description: Dive into the life of Frida Kahlo, whose surrealist art was deeply intertwined with her personal pain and political activism. This biopic explores her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera and her enduring legacy.

Fact: Salma Hayek, who played Frida, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.

Description: This film focuses on the life of Jackson Pollock, the abstract expressionist painter known for his 'drip' technique. It's a raw and intense portrayal of his artistic process and personal demons.

Fact: Ed Harris, who directed and starred in the film, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: While focusing on Virginia Woolf, this film also delves into the life of artist Laura Brown, whose story intertwines with Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." It's a study in creativity, depression, and the impact of art on life.

Fact: The film features three different actresses playing characters at different points in time, all linked by Woolf's novel.

Description: While not strictly about an artist, this film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor of Elle magazine, who, after a stroke, could only communicate by blinking his left eye. His memoir, written in this manner, is a testament to human creativity and resilience.

Fact: The film was shot from Bauby's perspective, with the camera often positioned to mimic his limited field of vision.

Description: This film tells the story of Margaret Keane, whose paintings of children with large, expressive eyes were initially credited to her husband. It's a tale of artistic integrity, deception, and eventual vindication.

Fact: The real Margaret Keane made a cameo appearance in the film.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the life of Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist known for her polka dots and infinity rooms. It's a journey through her art, mental health, and her quest for recognition.

Fact: Kusama herself appears in the documentary, offering personal insights into her life and work.

Description: This biopic explores the life of J.M.W. Turner, the painter known for his luminous landscapes and seascapes. It's a meditative look at the artist's later years, his art, and his eccentricities.

Fact: Timothy Spall won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Turner.

Description: This unique film is the world's first fully painted feature film, with every frame being an oil painting. It explores the life and mysterious death of Vincent van Gogh through his own paintings.

Fact: Over 65,000 oil paintings were created by 125 painters to make this film.

Description: This film captures the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the graffiti artist turned neo-expressionist painter. It's a poignant look at the intersection of race, art, and commerce in the 1980s New York art scene.

Fact: The film was directed by Julian Schnabel, himself a contemporary artist, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal of Basquiat's life.