Joseph Kishton's "Perceptions and Memories" premieres at UNCW
Brandy Swart | Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Lifestyles
UNCW premiered the documentary "Perceptions and Memories" by Joseph Kishton in Lumina Theatre Thursday, Jan. 28. The documentary is based on the relationship of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí and American writer Henry Miller. Kishton is a professor in the Department of Psychology at UNCW.
"Perceptions and Memories" follows the aggressive relationship between unusual painter Dalí and thought provoking novelist Miller from the time they meet in Paris until they go their separate ways one wild night in Virginia, on a plantation at an artist's colony.
Kishton began working on a documentary covering Miller's work many years ago. Due to a limited budget, the portion covering Miller and Dalí's relationship had to be left out. A few years later, after collecting more material, he gave it another shot and with the help of a few psychology and film studies students, "Perceptions and Memories" was completed a few months ago.
According to Kishton, Miller's literary voice is what originally attracted him to his work.
"Miller is not known for writing finely crafted novels," said Kishton. "He described his books as 'autobiographical romances.' When I eventually heard Miller's actual voice, he seemed like an even more compelling figure. Over the years, I had the opportunity to listen to many dozens of hours of Miller audio material. I found the content of the recordings to be a fascinating mixture."
"The university often provides a venue to showcase faculty films, books, artwork, plays and other creative and scholarly activities," said Media Relations Manager Dana Fischetti.
Kishton gave an introductory statement prior to the showing of "Perceptions and Memories" and after the premiere of the film he allowed for a question and answer segment and an audio piece. The evening was planned so no prior knowledge of Miller or Dalí was required.
Following the premiere a reception was held in the Fisher Student Center's Clock Tower Lounge. The reception was sponsored by Randall Library and the psychology department.
"Perceptions and Memories" is one of Kishton's few documentaries. "Henry Miller Is Not Dead" has been aired on American and Canadian public television and also shown as part of UNC TV's North Carolina Visions independent film series. Kishton is now working on a project that will collect and save existing recordings of Miller's work through the Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, Calif.
"Perceptions and Memories" follows the aggressive relationship between unusual painter Dalí and thought provoking novelist Miller from the time they meet in Paris until they go their separate ways one wild night in Virginia, on a plantation at an artist's colony.
Kishton began working on a documentary covering Miller's work many years ago. Due to a limited budget, the portion covering Miller and Dalí's relationship had to be left out. A few years later, after collecting more material, he gave it another shot and with the help of a few psychology and film studies students, "Perceptions and Memories" was completed a few months ago.
According to Kishton, Miller's literary voice is what originally attracted him to his work.
"Miller is not known for writing finely crafted novels," said Kishton. "He described his books as 'autobiographical romances.' When I eventually heard Miller's actual voice, he seemed like an even more compelling figure. Over the years, I had the opportunity to listen to many dozens of hours of Miller audio material. I found the content of the recordings to be a fascinating mixture."
"The university often provides a venue to showcase faculty films, books, artwork, plays and other creative and scholarly activities," said Media Relations Manager Dana Fischetti.
Kishton gave an introductory statement prior to the showing of "Perceptions and Memories" and after the premiere of the film he allowed for a question and answer segment and an audio piece. The evening was planned so no prior knowledge of Miller or Dalí was required.
Following the premiere a reception was held in the Fisher Student Center's Clock Tower Lounge. The reception was sponsored by Randall Library and the psychology department.
"Perceptions and Memories" is one of Kishton's few documentaries. "Henry Miller Is Not Dead" has been aired on American and Canadian public television and also shown as part of UNC TV's North Carolina Visions independent film series. Kishton is now working on a project that will collect and save existing recordings of Miller's work through the Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, Calif.
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