Escape to the world of artists and love in this delightful docu-series, making its exclusive theatrical premiere at Hot Docs this September. Screening over three installments—each featuring three episodes from the series—Artists and Love tells the stories of some of the most iconic creators of the 20th century and the muses that inspired them. Featuring power couples like Georgia O'Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz, Lee Miller and Man Ray, and Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, this audiovisual journey is catnip for art lovers of every taste and vintage. The films travel through the social worlds that defined these illustrious duos, raising a series of tantalizing questions: Is love compatible with creation? Can artists reveal themselves through romantic passion? Does love bring a renewed energy to art?

Episode 1: Amedeo Modigliani and Jeanne Hébuterne He was a leading figurative artist. She was the silent, enigmatic muse immortalized on his canvases—and a talented artist in her own right who sought to emerge from his long shadow. The couple lived together for three short years of fierce passion and intense creativity until tragedy struck, but their tormented souls are bound forever by love and art.

Episode 2: Gerda Taro and Robert Capa He was a pioneer of photojournalism, prepared to risk it all for the perfect shot. She was one of the first female photojournalists, intrepid and ambitious. As Capa covered the major conflicts of the 20th century, Taro stayed in the wings, helping him build his legendary oeuvre. This is the tale of two people united by photography and politics—but their unbridled love couldn’t withstand the ravages of war.

Episode 3: Lee Miller and Man Ray She was a brilliant photojournalist and a femme fatale featured on the covers of the world’s top fashion magazines. He was a painter, filmmaker and one of the greatest surrealist photographers of the 20th century. The story of Ray and Miller reveals a passionate love affair and brings to light the talents of a long-overlooked artist.

In German, English, French with English subtitles.

Tickets: $15 | FREE for members! Under 25? Get your FREE Bronze membership