“Artistic Relationships: Partners, Mentors, Lovers” at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (a Knight Arts grantee) will launch its new film series, Modernism + Film, this Friday August 16 with the screening of “Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely: The Bonnie and Clyde of Art.” The new series will investigate themes in design, engineering, architecture and modern/contemporary art, and will be offered the third Friday of every month. A cash bar and light bites will be available at 6 p.m. in the Bechtler lobby, with the film screening starting at 7 p.m.

This week’s film, “Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely,” explores the 30-year personal and artistic partnership of these two sculptors. The filmmakers, Louise Fare and Anne Julien, used unpublished documents, film archives and drawings to piece together this romantic story of love and creativity. Released in 2010, the film was chosen as the “Best Film for Television” by the 29th International Festival of Films on Art.

This film is particularly resonant with the Bechtler Museum because of the exhibition, “Artistic Relationships: Partners, Mentors, Lovers,” on view until August 26. Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle both have work on view in this exhibition and are a wonderful example of the way couples with opposing artistic styles and techniques influenced each other. This is the point of “Artistic Relationships”—to highlight the importance of connection to inspire great art.

As President and CEO John Boyer said, this exhibition“re-enforces the notion that 20th century modernism was very much the result of this complex web of relationships. In many instances the impact that these artists had on one another was greatly enhanced because of the nature of their personal connections.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the bond between two great Modern artists that has captivated art enthusiasts for decades. Tickets are only $10 for non-members and $8 for members. Students can purchase tickets for $5 with a valid school ID.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: 420 South Tryon St., Charlotte; www.bechtler.org. Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tues., closed; Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m.