The Observer, April 25, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 26
Former Mather Gallery director brings inspirational story to life
Some people's stories just beg to be told. These lives are so full of tragedy and triumph that it would be a travesty not to share them. And there really is nothing like the success story of a hometown hero to provide inspiration to the common man.
The life of Reverend Albert Wagner, a local East Cleveland artist, is one such story. Hailing originally from Arkansas, Reverend Wagner was a prolific painter during the latter part of his life, even having his works featured at Case's own Mather Gallery in 1984. His inspiring roller coaster journey of self-redemption is depicted wonderfully in the film, One Bad Cat, which screened at the Cleveland Film Festival last month and took home the audience award for Best Film.
Wagner, who began life as the son of cotton pickers in Arkansas, moved his family to Cleveland when he was 17. Soon after, he married his wife Magnolia, and had 16 children with her. Here was when his life began its downward slope. He became a sex addict, unable to control his primal urges. This caused him to begin two affairs with other women, each one bearing two children. When his wife found out, she kicked him to the curb, and both of his mistresses did the same.
In the worst state of his life, Wagner was delivered a sign from God, as he saw it. After spending time in jail for a heinous felony, his 50th birthday rolled around. As he headed into the basement to grab something, he saw that a paint can had leaked onto a board, creating a crisscross of blue paint dribbles. Wagner says that God spoke to him through this simple sign, directing him to dedicate his life to painting, and to impart his messages to the public.
And that he did. Before his death in 2006, Reverend Wagner estimated that he created 3500 works of art. He became entirely supported by his art, drawing collectors from all over the country. He had articles about him in the New York Times and Life magazine, among other noteworthy publications. But greatest of all, Wagner found himself again through his art.
His art was cathartic to him, allowing him to deal with his inner demons and sexual addiction. He actually became ordained as a minister as a result of his epiphany, and he held services of the People Love People House of God in his basement until he passed away.
The well-crafted documentary depicts Wagner in these final stages of his life, seriously ill with arthritis, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Utilizing personal interviews from both Wagner and those close to him, One Bad Cat is a phenomenal vehicle for this moving story of human achievement.
Both the editing and musical score are stellar, showcasing the tremendous talent of those who worked behind the scenes. The amount of time and energy placed into the film shines through, with the film coming across as homage of sorts to the incredible Reverend Wagner.
Producer Nancy Dickenson, who actually took classes here at Case, met Reverend Wagner in 1984, as she was the director of the Mather Gallery during his initial exhibition. She was completely struck by his work, finding it intellectually challenging and beautiful. His paintings were very controversial and racially charged, with lots of works involving white figures always being portrayed as larger or superior to blacks. Not everyone agreed with the ideologies in his work, but people still loved Wagner, due to his warm, accepting, inviting personality.
One Bad Cat is a great film that tells a great story of a great man. Despite all his difficulties and mistakes in life, Reverend Albert Wagner made quite a name for himself, and impacted more people than can be counted. His is a story that you will definitely benefit from viewing.
For more information on the film, Reverend Wagner, and the cast and crew, go to onebadcat.net.
