Portrait of Dora Dolz

When children portray their parents, very specific sensitivities, difficulties and unsuspected sentiments can come to the surface. Such a project always contains a form of self-analysis. But a biographical portrait that is also a minor genealogy study also creates opportunities to work more directly, profoundly, and more loosely. This portrait of Spanish-Rotterdam visual artist Dora Dolz was made by her daughter, filmmaker Sonia Herman Dolz, and shows how you can take your life and fate into your own hands. Dora Dolz’ playful, earthy and accessible work appeals to the sense of beauty of people from very different circles and backgrounds. She is a ‘working-class hero’ and a diva at the same time. Her capacity to change from an outsider in isolation to an insider touches the universal theme of people who have to fight harder abroad to find a place for themselves than the local inhabitants. Dora Dolz’ versatile and trendsetting art and monumental ceramics have built up an unassailable position in the international art world. She is now at the height of her creative life. The film does not attempt to mystify that life, but uses it to show how you can look lightly at harsh reality. This sparkling film by her daughter offers a glimpse of Dora Dolz’ rich spirit. (GT)