Bill Viola's Florentine Beginnings at art/tapes/22
Bill Viola forged a significant connection with Florence, where he launched his career in partnership with art/tapes/22, an innovative video art center established between 1972 and 1973. This center was responsible for creating over 150 pieces by artists such as Giulio Paolini and Vito Acconci. In 1974, during the Project 74 exhibition in Cologne, curator David Ross introduced Viola to Maria Gloria Bicocchi. Subsequently, Viola relocated to Florence, initially residing with Bicocchi's son before moving to the art/tapes/22 studio. Collaborating with Bicocchi, he produced videos featuring artists like Allan Kaprow and Jannis Kounellis, while also creating his own works, including "La Luna." His enthusiasm for the Renaissance deeply influenced his art, merging modern techniques with traditional styles.
Key facts
- Bill Viola had a deep bond with Florence, where he began his career in Italy.
- He collaborated with art/tapes/22, a pioneering video art center founded 1972-1973 in Florence.
- art/tapes/22 produced over 150 video works by artists such as Giulio Paolini, Vito Acconci, Mario Merz, and Alighiero Boetti.
- Maria Gloria Bicocchi and her husband Giancarlo founded art/tapes/22.
- In 1974, curator David Ross introduced Viola to Bicocchi at Project 74 at the Museum of Cologne.
- Viola moved to Florence two months later, living first with Bicocchi's son Stefano, then in a studio on Via Ricasoli 22.
- He operated the camera with technicians Andrea Giorgi and Alberto Pirelli, producing works by Allan Kaprow, Jannis Kounellis, and others.
- At night, Viola created his own videos, including 'La Luna' and other black-and-white works.
- His love for the Renaissance, especially Rosso Fiorentino and Andrea del Sarto, influenced his art.
- Maria Gloria Bicocchi wrote the remembrance on Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Bill Viola
- Giulio Paolini
- Vito Acconci
- Mario Merz
- Alighiero Boetti
- Allan Kaprow
- Jannis Kounellis
- Giuseppe Chiari
- Rosso Fiorentino
- Andrea del Sarto
Institutions
- art/tapes/22
- Museum of Cologne
- Syracuse University
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Cologne
- Germany
- Via Ricasoli 22