MAKE ME FAMOUS: a documentary by Brian Vincent

In the 1980s, New York City’s downtown art scene was a hotbed of creativity and experimentation, with artists like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and David Wojnarowicz pushing the boundaries of what was considered “art.” It was a time when artists felt empowered to make their own rules and not wait for the elites to choose them. This was the era that inspired the making of the documentary, “Make Me Famous,” directed by Brian Vincent.

“NYC in the 1980s was a time when artists were inspired to make their own rules and not wait for the elites to choose them. MAKE ME FAMOUS becomes a unique opportunity to experience the thrill and heartbreak of chasing fame in the 1980s through the lens of a striving artist.”
— Brian Vincent, Director of MAKE ME FAMOUS

The documentary follows the story of Edward Brezinski, a talented painter who worked alongside some of the biggest names in the art world, including Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Despite being part of the iconic Lower East Side art scene, Brezinski never achieved the same level of success as his contemporaries. The film sets out to uncover the reasons behind this, and in doing so, it creates a sharp, witty portrait of the NYC art scene of the 1980s.

Gallery owners and fellow artists dish on insider gossip, name drop, and contradict each other in telling the story.
The film features interviews with a variety of artists, including Brezinski’s friends and colleagues, who share their experiences and insights into the artist’s life and work.
The documentary also delves into the art world’s fascination with fame and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it.

As the story unfolds, the film becomes a commentary on the art world’s obsession with fame and the struggles that artists face in achieving success. It is a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The film’s director, Brian Vincent, has stated that the goal of the documentary is to create a sense of empathy and understanding in the viewer. “I wanted to make a film that would make people feel like they were part of the story, like they were there in the 1980s, experiencing the thrill and heartbreak of chasing fame,” Vincent said.

The documentary features a unique blend of interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments.
The film’s use of archival footage adds a sense of authenticity and historical context to the story.
The re-enactments bring the story to life, recreating the atmosphere and energy of the 1980s art scene.

The Modern Art Museum Fort Worth is set to host a special event screening of “Make Me Famous” on May 1st at 6:30 PM. The screening will feature a Q&A session with the film’s director, Brian Vincent, and other special guests.