Art is, for me, the process of trying to wake up the soul. Because we live in an industrialized, fast-paced world that prefers that the soul remain asleep.
Bill ViolaRead
The fundamental aspect of video is not the image, even though you can stand in amazement at what can be done electronically, how images can be manipulated and the really extraordinary creative possibilities. For me the essential basis of video is the movement - something that exists at the moment and changes in the next moment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Bill Viola emphasizes that the essence of video lies not in the images themselves but in the movement they capture.
In this quote, Bill Viola articulates a fundamental concept about video art: while the visual images may captivate audiences with their electronic manipulation and creativity, it is ultimately the dynamic quality of movement that defines the medium. He suggests that video is an ephemeral art form, capturing moments that continuously evolve, presenting a unique perspective that distinguishes it from static forms of visual art.
Themes
VideoMovementArtCreativityChange
In practice
Example use cases
During a documentary film festival to highlight the evolution of video art.
More from Bill Viola
All quotes →A lot of what making art is, is just being open, and empty. And putting yourself in the right place for things to, literally, come together.
Bill ViolaRead
You are just as qualified as any expert to make a judgment and have a feeling or a response to any work of art.
Bill ViolaRead
Art has always had as its test in the long term the ability to speak to our innermost selves.
Bill ViolaRead
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