Bill Viola's 'He Weeps for You' at James Cohan Gallery
In March 2023, Bill Viola's video artwork 'He Weeps for You,' created in 1976, was showcased at the James Cohan Gallery in New York. This significant piece of video art includes a copper pipe that drips water, a video camera, a microphone-equipped drum, and a display screen. The real-time projection amplifies each droplet, forming a peculiar, elongated shape that descends with a gong sound. Viola's work delves into the fundamental aspects of video—time and observation—setting it apart from traditional film. His theoretical and practical insights are detailed in 'Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House – Writings 1973-1994' (MIT Press, 1995). In 1980, he expressed his desire to scrutinize the ordinary closely, aiming for an intensity that resonates deeply.
Key facts
- Bill Viola's 'He Weeps for You' dates from 1976.
- The work was exhibited at James Cohan Gallery, New York, in March 2023.
- The piece uses a copper pipe, video camera, drum, microphone, and screen.
- Real-time video magnifies water drops, creating an oblong image.
- A gong sound marks each drop's fall onto the drum.
- Viola's writings were published in 'Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House – Writings 1973-1994' (MIT Press, 1995).
- Viola is a pioneer of video art, focusing on its unique properties.
- The work explores time, surveillance, and the elevation of the commonplace.
Entities
Artists
- Bill Viola
Institutions
- James Cohan Gallery
- MIT Press
Locations
- New York
- United States
Sources
- artpress —