David Claerbout's Digital Reconstructions at Sean Kelly Gallery Challenge Perception of Still and Moving Images

David Claerbout presents his first exhibition at Sean Kelly gallery in New York, marking his return to the city after eight years. The show features two major video works that digitally reconstruct historical photographs. KING (2015–16) creates a three-dimensional animation from Alfred Wertheimer's 1956 photograph of Elvis Presley, producing a ten-minute silent black-and-white HD projection. While some digital elements appear artificial, the work revives archival material through immersive technology. Oil Workers (2013) reconstructs a photograph of Nigerian Shell company employees caught in rain, achieving remarkably convincing virtual detail that blurs boundaries between motion and stillness. Claerbout's technique challenges viewers to distinguish between Bill Viola-like slow motion and uncanny reproduction. The exhibition LIGHT/WORK continues through April 30 at 475 Tenth Avenue in Manhattan, offering visitors the experience of walking through still images transformed into living environments.