Art21 Film on José de Jesús Rodríguez Premieres May 27
Art21 will release a new documentary film, "José de Jesús Rodríguez's Back & Forth," on May 27, 2026, at 12 pm ET on Art21.org and YouTube. Directed by Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung, the film follows the painter as he incorporates mosaic and relief sculpture into his practice. Rodríguez's work blends references from history, popular culture, and his family life in Salinas, CA, including the film "Man on Fire" and Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. The film is part of Art21's New York Close Up series, which documents early-career artists in New York City. Art21 has produced over 80 hours of films on more than 300 artists across six continents.
Key facts
- Film premieres May 27, 2026 at 12 pm ET on Art21.org and YouTube.
- Directed by Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung.
- Artist José de Jesús Rodríguez uses fresco, mosaic, and relief sculpture.
- References include 'Man on Fire' and Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco.
- Rodríguez's family life in Salinas, CA influences his work.
- Film is part of Art21's New York Close Up series.
- Art21 has documented over 300 artists across six continents.
- New York Close Up films have been honored by over 100 film festivals.
Entities
Artists
- José de Jesús Rodríguez
- Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung
- Diego Rivera
- José Clemente Orozco
Institutions
- Art21
- New York Close Up
- The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
- New York State Council on the Arts
- Henry Nias Foundation
Locations
- New York City
- New York
- United States
- Salinas
- California
Sources
- Art21 —