As a young filmmaker, François de Menil, in collaboration with others, vividly captures in five short films the spirit of creating, cherishing, curating and housing art. The first film, “Hanging Max Ernst,” follows his mother, Dominique de Menil, from the planning and hanging of the 1973 Max Ernst exhibition at the Rice Media Center through the opening night party. Three other films capture each of Mark di Suvero, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely in conversation and at work in his or her personal and unique environment. The last film, “The Rothko Chapel,” features conversations with Dominique and John de Menil, architect Howard Barnstone and others on the inspiration and creation of the Rothko Chapel. François de Menil will join us for “Hanging Max Ernst.”

(Spring 2005)