No Holds Barred, The Life & Art of Matthew Lanyon with Q&A (12A)

Dir. Barbara Santi and Judith Lanyon | 2021 | 66 mins plus Q&A 

No Holds Barred delves into the captivating life of Matthew Lanyon, the enigmatic Cornish artist, whose humor veiled a profound commitment to art fueled by learning, love, and loss. As the son of Peter Lanyon, a renowned modernist painter, Matthew's story unfolds through his own words, unseen films, and the breathtaking backdrop of West Cornwall.

This visually stunning film captures the essence of Matthew's talent, courage, and the intertwining of art and life. Interviews with close family, collectors, and collaborators offer insights into the complex man behind the visionary art. The movie, a collaboration between filmmaker Barbara Santi and Judith Lanyon, the artist's widow, stands out as an extraordinary cinematic achievement—a love story and a poignant exploration of the challenges an artist faces in a remote setting and the burden of a tragic artistic legacy.

The film also tackles the question of managing the legacy of an artist who passed away unexpectedly. Judith Lanyon shares her emotional and practical journey in preserving and continuing her late husband's artistic practice. This intimate portrayal not only depicts the artist as a cultural figure but also as a partner, brother, father, and friend, providing a rare glimpse into the profound impact of an artist's absence on those left behind.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Co-Directors Barbara Santi and Judith Lanyon, this will be chaired by Michael Bird.

Barbara Santi, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, founded awen productions CIC in 2006 to amplify under-represented voices through film. Her latest documentary, "King for a Day," is distributed by DER and screened at Tate St. Ives in 2023.

Judith Lanyon, Matthew's widow, actively preserves his legacy by writing about his art since 2009 and curating exhibitions in Ireland and the UK. With a background in adult education and notable projects in dementia care, she authored the pioneering book "Homework" for the UK care home sector.

Michael Bird is a writer, independent art historian, curator and radio broadcaster; 'I am particularly interested in the way that history flows through individual lives'.  His books include This is Tomorrow: Twentieth-century Britain and its Artists (2022); Art in Cornwall; The St Ives Artists, A Biography of Place and Time; Studio Voices, art and life (2020). He also wrote catalogue introductions to Matthew Lanyon's 2011/12 solo exhibitions in St Ives. Michael lives in Cornwall.  @image_and _word

In collaboration with Art Society Falmouth.

Click here for the trailer & more information.

Wednesday 20th march, 7.30pm

Tickets: £8.50/£7/£6.50

A £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold.