The Artist in Society: Talking with Hershell West

An artist and advocate who has served on the official arts commissions of California cities Richmond and Oakland (as president of each), Hershell West proves to be a fount of wisdom in this compelling documentary by Eve A. Ma. West discusses his work as a muralist, making beautiful and often evocative public works in the medium (including brief histories of communities, as represented by playful images). He also discusses his life as a painter on canvas, and how his visual sensibility began with describing the world to his blind grandmother and selling his work to schoolmates. Besides his stints with arts commissions, West has also taught art to at-risk kids, recalling a heartbreaking story about a talented boy who refused to take his excellent artwork home because it would be taken from him. Viewers also see West deeply involved in another cause as one of the founders of TAOLB (The Art of Living Black) at the Richmond Art Center, an annual group exhibition of contemporary works by African American artists. While he might not be a household name, West is certainly a heroic community figure who will inspire others. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)