This lighthearted documentary by Megumi Sasaki is appropriate for today: it is about a Museum Club for two that has lasted for 45 years. Herb was a high school drop out and wannabe artist/postal worker. Dorothy had moved from Elmira to the big city and got a job at the Brooklyn Heights branch of BPL. They met at a dance. She knew nothing about art, they went to the National Gallery on their honeymoon and educated themselves and immersed themselves in the New York art scene of the sixties through the present, carefully choosing small works they could afford that would fit in their apartment.
It’s both lovely and totally insane. Their apartment is full of cats, turtles, and so much art they can’t sit on the couch. They were addicted to buying art- greedy for it- hoarding it. But they are also lovely people who spent their lives truly appreciating the work of artists and supporting their friends. Watch the movie. Tell me what you think.
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Hi Emily. I feel the need to let you know I’m the equivalent of a “long time listener, first time caller” and really enjoy your blog. I love Herb & Dorothy’s story. I’ve seen this documentary a few times now and find myself coming back to the hoarders vs. collectors dilemma. I’ve finally come to the opinion that they can’t rightfully be called hoarders (even though the amount of stuff crammed into their tiny apartment screams insanity). Unlike hoarders, their occupation with collecting has enriched their lives. Also unlike hoarders, who have an irrational attachment to garbage, their stuff’s worth some loot (although I’m sure some might consider some of it garbage). And most importantly, they gave all their art away! sort of.
Hi Yota! Welcome! I agree with you. Unlike hoarders whose addictions prevent them from going places and forming relationships, the Vogels were motivated to connect with people because of their obsession. That is what makes them so unique. It is interesting to contemplate how being childless (for whatever reason) allowed them to follow this passion, sort of like Julia and Paul Child. Or is that overstating it? And as public servants, they were particular about caring for their art for everyone- it really was meant as a gift to the world, no matter how greedy they were in acquiring it. So fascinating!
Emily, Thanks for posting this, I had heard about it somewhere and wanted to see it. We watched it last night and LOVED it. I felt they were really inspiring in that they simply did what they loved, without regard to how people are “supposed” to live. We discussed the hoarding aspect and I am on the fence, I think partly because I don’t think it affected their life negatively. Sure, they didn’t have a sofa but so what! (?) Somewhere near the end someone stated that they gave up so much to have this life but I don’t think they ever gave up anything- like all of us, they made choices about what was important to them, there choices were just not the norm. It seems they wore mostly the same clothes and had email on their tv. They chose to spend their money and time with art/artists. Of course, if their collection hadn’t turned out to be so valuable, would it be a different story..?
oops, I meant “their” choices. & Hi Yota!