Bending Space

What happens when visionary French artist, Georges Rousse, meets the creative spirit of a former Tobacco Road town in the midst of downtown renewal? An amazing grassroots arts project emerges that defies expectations and takes the city of Durham, North Carolina, by storm. Watch as buildings from a past life of the city transform into temporary canvases for dramatic public art in this documentary film by Penelope Maunsell and Kenny Dalsheimer.

Documentary  •  2007  •  58 minutes   •  HD  •   16×9   •    English w/English Subtitles

Bending Space: Georges Rousse and the Durham Project captures the genius of French photographer and installation artist Georges Rousse. Follow along with the artist and hundreds of volunteers during a 2006 public art residency in Durham, NC.

Georges Rousse behind the lens of his Leica camera
Georges Rousse checks an installation during construction.

The film reveals how Rousse creates illusions of color and shape (trompe-l’œil). These tricks of perspective become colorful, huge photographs exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

The film is available for streaming and on DVD.

Film Credits

Directed by Penelope Maunsell and Kenny Dalsheinmer
Camera/Producer – Kenny Dalsheimer
Editor/Producer – Penelope Maunsell
Executive Producer – Frank Konhaus
Sound – Juliet Jensen
Technical Consultant – Walt Rassel
Gaffer – Keith Nye
DP Motion Shots – Alton Chewning
Steadicam – Mark Copeland
Grips – York Phelps and David Hardy
Online Editor – Walt Rassel
Original Music – Aaron Keane
Executive Producer of Music – Eric Johnson
Fiscal Sponsor – The Southern Documentary Fund