Bill Viola: Time, Spirituality, and the Moving Image

Bill Viola1951– | American | Video, Installations, Photography

Viola is one of a very small minority that uses video to genuinely great effect. He tackles age-old subjects, such as birth, death, and human relationships with experience and understanding, and builds up pictures using slow-motion processes of painting. He also uses the technology to involve the viewer in creating the final image.

One of the reasons why he is so successful and convincing is that he does not use the video medium simply to talk about himself. He has something he wishes to say about the human condition and uses video technology to reinforce that. He is completely in control of his chosen medium and can take it to the edge of its limitations.

Bill Viola, Five Angels for the Millennium 2001, Tate T11805, © Bill Viola Studio

Bill Viola – The Crossing, 1996, two-channel color video installation, four channels of sound, 10 min 57 sec, performer: Phil Esposito

KEY WORKS: Nantes Triptych, 1992 (London, Tate Collection); The Crossing, 1996 (New York, Guggenheim Museum)