AUSTRALIAN
Premiere
Steven Sebring
Still by Steven Sebring
AUSTRALIAN
Premiere
Patti Smith:
Dream of Life
A FILM By Steven Sebring
Steven Sebring
& Patti Smith
Objects of Life
“I want Dream of Life to inspire people to do something.”
Steven Sebring
A fascinating exhibition of photographs and objects inspired
by Steven Sebring’s time with Patti Smith during the filming
of their extraordinary documentary Dream of Life
Dream of Life is a cinematic plunge into the creative spirit of Patti Smith,
a breathing collage of her philosophy and artistry. Shot over a remarkable
11-year period by renowned fashion photographer Steven Sebring,
Dream of Life is unprecedented in its lyricism and its intimate access to an icon.
Smith narrates and provides lyrics, spoken word, interviews, photographs
and concert footage. Sebring’s connection to Smith allows him to
plum the history of several cultural movements. The film incorporates
performances, pilgrimages and political rallies, archival recordings and
verité footage of Smith’s parents, children and friends and is layered with
music and recitations.
Dream of Life reveals a complex and charismatic personality as Smith
wrestles with the many paradoxes of human nature, while pulling out all
the rock and roll, rawness, wit and grit for which she is known.
During the 11 years of filming, Sebring became increasingly interested in
the history and mythology behind the possessions and personal treasures
that Smith shared in the film’s most intimate moments. It resulted in the
desire to return to his roots as photographer and to recontextualise the
sacred and the commonplace through his camera lens.
Objects of Life consists of 14 large-scale photographs taken by Sebring.
This collection ranges from Smith’s childhood dress to an ancient urn
containing the remains of Smith’s close friend and collaborator Robert
Mapplethorpe, to black leather boots that have stomped around the world.
Also featured is a private collection of personal belongings from both artists
whose collaboration is grounded by their relationship to the film and to
their individual personal experiences.
Join Smith and Sebring at the screening on Fri 10 Oct for a very special
Q&A session about the making of this remarkable documentary.
Australian Centre for the
Moving Image, ACMI Cinema 2
Screening with Q&A
Fri 10 Oct at 8pm
Thu 9 Oct at 8pm
Sat 11 & Sun 12 Oct at 4pm
Full
Conc
1hr 49min no interval
Ticketmaster 1300 136 166
ACMI Box Office (03) 8663 2583
www.acmi.net.au
www.melbournefestival.com.au
Full
Conc
$15
$11
Centre for Contemporary
Photography
404 George St, Fitzroy
$25
$18
Supported by
www.melbournefestival.com.au
www.ccp.org.au
Supported by
WEEK M T W T
16
Fri 12 Sep – Sat 25 Oct
Wed – Sat 11am – 6pm
Free
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