Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea is a 3D documentary film about the life and work of artist, marine, and acrobat H.C. (Cliff) Westermann. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Westermann’s dramatic personal history can be traced through beguiling, surreal artworks. The film reveals ways in which Westermann protected his empathic spirit—and sanity—by "sculpting" his body, artworks, friendships, his hand-hewn house, and his art-filled letters to his dearest friends and family. The documentary explores themes of resiliency, hope, and humor with a script culled from over a thousand of Westermann’s letters and one audio-interview voiced by Academy-Award nominee Ed Harris, along with interviews with artist Ed Ruscha, architect Frank Gehry, and many others. The film also includes music by Laurie Anderson (with the Kronos Quartet) and Terry Allen, and a score by Tomeka Reid.

Tickets are free. A 5 pm reception in the Manton Research Center reading room precedes the event. A Q&A with Brian Ashby, one of the film’s producers, follows the screening. Accessible seats available; for information, call 413 458 0524.

This program is made possible by Jonas and Betsy Dovydenas.