Shut Up And Paint Discussion Guide

Painter Titus Kaphar uses film as a medium while grappling with an insatiable art market seeking to silence his activism. Broadcast as part of POV Shorts. 

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and designed for people who want to use Shut Up and Paint to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit https://communitynetwork.amdoc.org/.

Calvin Stalvig, Discussion Guide Author

Calvin Stalvig is an artist and educator who investigates human perceptions of reality, nature, collective ritual, and mythologies of American history.

His textile, collage, video, installation, and performance artworks are entangled with autoethnographic research methodologies.

Stalvig was born and raised on Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin. He has exhibited and taught workshops in New York City, Berlin, Minneapolis, and Guatemala.

Discussion Guide Producers 

Courtney B. Cook, Phd | Education Manager, POV

Jordan Thomas | Education Assistant, POV

Thanks to those who reviewed and contributed to this resource:

Natalie Danford, Copyeditor

Alex Mallis, Co-Director | Shut Up & Paint