Campaigner Against Sistine Restoration is Subject of Film
LAGUNA BEACH INDEPENDENT
By LB Indy Staff
CALIFORNIA - Film director Sonny Quinn and producer Scott Mason will host the screening of their feature length documentary film, “A Light in the Dark: The Art and Life of Frank Mason” Thursday, June 16, at Newport Beach’s Orange County Museum of Art. Artist-educator Frank Mason campaigned against restoration of the Sistine Chapel.
The filmmakers will take questions following the 8 p.m. screening. The event coincides with an exhibit of Mason’s seascapes and landscapes at Laguna Beach’s Wendt Gallery, 1550 S. Coast Highway, through the end of June. Mason was classically trained in the techniques of the Baroque and Renaissance periods. He wove these techniques into his own style reminiscent of the plein-air Impressionists. He extended these skills and trade secrets at the Art Students League of New York for over half a century, one of the most significant artist-educators of the era.
His infamy came from his personal quest opposing restoration of ancient works of art. He rallied public protests and spearheaded the creation of watchdog organizations to protect masterpieces from restorations. His battles with the art establish culminated in the 1980s with the Vatican’s controversial cleaning of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos. “A Light in the Dark” takes an in-depth look into this controversy and reveals never before seen footage of the Sistine Chapel before the restoration. [link]
By LB Indy Staff
CALIFORNIA - Film director Sonny Quinn and producer Scott Mason will host the screening of their feature length documentary film, “A Light in the Dark: The Art and Life of Frank Mason” Thursday, June 16, at Newport Beach’s Orange County Museum of Art. Artist-educator Frank Mason campaigned against restoration of the Sistine Chapel.
The filmmakers will take questions following the 8 p.m. screening. The event coincides with an exhibit of Mason’s seascapes and landscapes at Laguna Beach’s Wendt Gallery, 1550 S. Coast Highway, through the end of June. Mason was classically trained in the techniques of the Baroque and Renaissance periods. He wove these techniques into his own style reminiscent of the plein-air Impressionists. He extended these skills and trade secrets at the Art Students League of New York for over half a century, one of the most significant artist-educators of the era.
His infamy came from his personal quest opposing restoration of ancient works of art. He rallied public protests and spearheaded the creation of watchdog organizations to protect masterpieces from restorations. His battles with the art establish culminated in the 1980s with the Vatican’s controversial cleaning of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos. “A Light in the Dark” takes an in-depth look into this controversy and reveals never before seen footage of the Sistine Chapel before the restoration. [link]