The Cool School

An essential, exciting documentary that shows how America's West Coast art scene of the late 50s and 60s was built through hard work and determination, at a time when the East was considered the place for art and the West was sneered at by Manhattanites. The film focuses on the seminal Ferus Gallery, which groomed the LA art scene from a loose band of idealistic beatniks into a coterie of competitive, often brilliant artists, including Ed Kienholz, Ed Ruscha, Craig Kauffman, Wallace Berman, Ed Moses and Robert Irwin. A fresh and invigorating perspective on the American art world, narrated with laconic style by Jeff Bridges.

Released by Arthouse Films.