Barbara Rubin was an American underground filmmaker and artist, best known for her pioneering work in multimedia art and her connection with The Velvet Underground. She was a significant figure in the 1960s avant-garde art scene in New York City.
Personal and Family Life
Born in 1945 in Queens, New York, Barbara Rubin grew up in a vibrant cultural environment. She was drawn to the art scene and became known as a groupie for various avant-garde artists while developing her own filmmaking skills. Rubin’s passion for art and film ultimately led her to make influential connections, particularly with Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground.
Career
Rubin’s career took off in the 1960s when she became involved with The Velvet Underground, leading to her films being screened in conjunction with their performances. One of her notable works, “Christmas on Earth,” created when she was just 17, is often hailed as a landmark in multimedia art. Her willingness to push boundaries in film and art made her a crucial player in the underground movement of the time.
Death and Legacy
Barbara Rubin passed away in 1980 due to a postnatal infection while living in France. Despite her relatively short life, her contributions to film and art continue to be celebrated, and her influence is felt among contemporary artists and filmmakers. Rubin is remembered for her innovative spirit and for being an essential part of the New York avant-garde scene.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Venus in Furs | 1965-01-01 | The Nun |
| Birth of a Nation | 1997-08-06 | Self |
| To Barbara Rubin with Love | 2006-11-01 | Self |
| Hare Krishna | 1967-02-02 | Herself |
| Andy Warhol Screen Tests | 1965-11-28 | Self |
| Dirt | 1965-09-25 | |
| Scenes from the Life of Andy Warhol: Friendships & Intersections | 1990-06-01 | Self |
| Satisfaction | 1966-03-31 | The Nun |
| Barbara Rubin and the Exploding NY Underground | 2018-05-02 | Self (archive footage) |
| Lost, Lost, Lost | 1976-09-14 | Self |