If you are going to be in Venice, Italy anytime between June 10 & November 24, 2007 be sure to check me out in Bill Viola's new work, 'Ocean Without A Shore'
'Ocean Without A Shore' is to be presented at the 52nd International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia. It is a three screen High Definition video and sound installation inspired by its setting - the 15th century intimate Venetian church of San Gallo.
'Ocean Without A Shore' presents a cyclical progression of images that describes a series of encounters at the intersection between life and death. Located near the Piazza San Marco the church of San Gallo was formerly a private chapel, and Viola directly incorporates its internal architecture into his piece, using the three existing stone altars as video screens. Of the work Bill Viola states, "'Ocean Without A Shore' is about the presence of the dead in our lives. The three stone altars in San Gallo become transparent surfaces for the manifestation of images of the dead attempting to re-enter our world."
"The video sequence describes the human form as it gradually coalesces from within a dark field and slowly comes into view, moving from obscurity into the light. As the figure approaches, it becomes more solid and tangible until it breaks through an invisible threshold and passes into the physical world. The crossing of the threshold is an intense moment of infinite feeling and acute physical awareness. Poised at that juncture, for a brief instant all beings can touch their true nature, equal parts material and essence. However, once incarnate, these beings must eventually turn away from mortal existence and return to the emptiness from where they came."
Over 24 performers and a technical team of 20 participated in the creation of 'Ocean Without A Shore'. Kira Perov, Viola's wife and long time collaborator, Harry Dawson, director of photography, and Brian Pete, editor, made essential creative contributions to the production. You can check it out:
http://www.haunchofvenison.com/en/index.php#page=london.exhibitions.future.bill_viola_venice
It was very exciting to get to work with Bill Viola and while I may not get to see the piece, would love to hear your impressions.
'Ocean Without A Shore' presents a cyclical progression of images that describes a series of encounters at the intersection between life and death. Located near the Piazza San Marco the church of San Gallo was formerly a private chapel, and Viola directly incorporates its internal architecture into his piece, using the three existing stone altars as video screens. Of the work Bill Viola states, "'Ocean Without A Shore' is about the presence of the dead in our lives. The three stone altars in San Gallo become transparent surfaces for the manifestation of images of the dead attempting to re-enter our world."
"The video sequence describes the human form as it gradually coalesces from within a dark field and slowly comes into view, moving from obscurity into the light. As the figure approaches, it becomes more solid and tangible until it breaks through an invisible threshold and passes into the physical world. The crossing of the threshold is an intense moment of infinite feeling and acute physical awareness. Poised at that juncture, for a brief instant all beings can touch their true nature, equal parts material and essence. However, once incarnate, these beings must eventually turn away from mortal existence and return to the emptiness from where they came."
Over 24 performers and a technical team of 20 participated in the creation of 'Ocean Without A Shore'. Kira Perov, Viola's wife and long time collaborator, Harry Dawson, director of photography, and Brian Pete, editor, made essential creative contributions to the production. You can check it out:
http://www.haunchofvenison.com/en/index.php#page=london.exhibitions.future.bill_viola_venice
It was very exciting to get to work with Bill Viola and while I may not get to see the piece, would love to hear your impressions.
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