Françoise Parfait's 'Vidéo: un art contemporain' Reassesses Video Art's Legacy

Françoise Parfait's publication, 'Vidéo: un art contemporain', released by Éditions du Regard, delves into the realm of video art, which has seen a lack of comprehensive studies since the 1980s. She contends that since the introduction of the Sony Portapak in 1965, video has revolutionized traditional artistic forms. Parfait points out its benefits over film, including affordability and ease of use, while also connecting it to television. The work explores various artistic approaches and introduces the concept of 'vidéographique' to redefine video as a significant aesthetic medium. Parfait suggests that video represents a postmodern art characterized by uncertainty and identity struggles, with its future intertwined with digital advancements. In artpress, Paul Ardenne remarks that the book acts as both a historical account and a reflection at a crucial time.