The Museum of Modern Art in New York City is set to showcase the groundbreaking work of American filmmaker Ernie Gehr in a one-week series titled “Ernie Gehr: Mechanical Magic.” Known for his innovative and thought-provoking approach to cinema, Gehr’s movies have captivated audiences for decades with their unique exploration of light, energy, shape, color, and rhythm.
Gehr’s films, which are often short and shot in digital, challenge traditional storytelling conventions and instead focus on the medium’s plasticity and the sensory experience of watching moving images. One of his most significant early works, “Serene Velocity” (1970), is a silent color film that defies expectations by creating a mesmerizing illusion of movement without any camera moves or characters.
The series at MoMA will feature a dynamic sampler of Gehr’s work, including newer pieces and restored rarities, organized into six programs. Gehr, who is 82 years old and still pushing boundaries in the world of cinema, is scheduled to appear at each show to discuss his creative process and artistic vision.
For film enthusiasts and art lovers alike, “Ernie Gehr: Mechanical Magic” offers a rare opportunity to experience the cinematic brilliance of a true innovator in the field. Don’t miss this chance to be transported into Gehr’s world of abstract, experimental, and avant-garde cinema at one of the world’s premier art institutions.
