Experimental filmmaker Robert Nelson died earlier this week. His films, which displayed a remarkable combination of humor, wit, playfulness, and accessibility - all rare things in the avant-garde - have had an enormous impact on me and countless other artists. With the assistance of film preservationist Mark Toscano, I screened his film Bleu Shut at Northwestern University’s Block Cinema in 2006. It’s truly one of the best and most revolutionary films I’ve ever seen.
Mark has posted a poignant tribute on his blog. Rest in peace, Robert.