Already an established painter whose work had been previously featured as album covers for Genesis, British artist Paul Whitehead decided to expand his portfolio by exploring his own personality.  Whitehead’s personal journey led him towards drag, and resulting in the artist developing a transfluid alter ego, Tricia Van Cleef.

At first, Cleef was a curious escape for Whitehead, using himself as a canvas instead of his usual resources, until the artist further discovered the surrealistic art that Cleef could create.  Now residing in Ventura, California and contently spending most of their days in a private studio, Whitehead opens up to filmmaker Fia Perera for Paul & Tricia: The Art of Fluidity – a project that will hopefully encourage viewers to explore and lean into their own creativity.

The documentary is an intimate albeit slight look at Whitehead’s career, as well as an empathetic outlet for the artist to express his concerns towards the general comprehension of gender-fluidity;  such as the lack of support for the trans community.  These societal and political tangents are earnestly heartfelt although, again, simply touched on within this concise film. Perhaps this activism could be delved into more if Whitehead and Perera pursue another project together.

But for now, much like the Canadian folksy doc The Ballad of Hugh (but much better and more meaningful), Paul & Tricia: The Art of Fluidity is a magazine-style profile on very sweet and soulful artists.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie