Born to rural Texas farmers in 1943, Vernon Fisher’s childhood exposure to painting was only as “something you did to houses.” By the 1980’s, he was exhibiting alongside Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, establishing himself as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Throughout his career, Fisher was also an influential art professor at the University of North Texas. 

Artist Jeff Elrod is a former student and describes his time with Fisher as “life changing.” Another former student, Baseera Khan, recently won the 2023 MTV reality show, “The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist”. Both artists are featured in Breaking the Code. 

The film also features MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, Dave Hickey, and the acclaimed art historian, Frances Colpitt, in two of the final interviews recorded before their respective deaths in 2021 and 2022. Winner of “Best Historical Film” at the 2023 Dallas International Film Festival, Breaking the Code introduces Vernon Fisher to a new generation while also giving the many who already know his work an intimate look at his life and art.

Guest speakers in addition to Michael Flanagan are Robert Jessup and Matthew Bourbon.