video nasties

Video Nasties

Bill Viola

Bill viola is considered a leading figure in the generation of artists. His work is dependent on sound, image technology and electronics in New Media. His ideas are based behind fundamental human experiences; birth, death and aspects of consciousness. Throughout his career he has drawn meaning and inspiration from his deep interest in mystical traditions, especially Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism and Islamic Sufism.

Viola divides his work under 3 titles; conceptual, visual and unique combination of the two. It is argued by some critics that his conceptual work is ‘forgettable’ just like most video art. But others would agree that his visual work such as the “The Veiling” is very memorable and impressive.

Like most video installations they create controversy between the audiences. Some may find that Violas work is quiet offensive when it comes to his religious themes. Religion in general causes arguments between the people in the faiths. So it is very understandable that people would subconsciously disagree with his art because of their beliefs. However because I am not religious I see the art without looking deep into religious values. I find his work very meaningful and interesting to look at, and I admire his different uses of art platforms such as a sound as visuals.

Sam Taylor Wood

Sam Taylor-Wood is known as an English filmmaker, photographer and visual artist. An example of a highly controversial art installation video of hers is ‘A little death’. Now this would have to be one of the most disturbing video installations that I have ever seen. However I do agree that it refreshes the traditional work of still life and tells a simple story about the transient nature of life creatively.

This installation shows the audience a dead rabbit decomposing rapidly over a period of time through a cameras point of view while the peach besides the animal stays untouched. I think most would agree that it is quite disturbing because of the maggots and worms rapidly appearing and eating through the creature. Like most people that haven’t had a real feel of video art they would find the narrative behind it very strange. I even had to ask myself what is the story behind the installation? Why did she choose to bring the attention of something so simple and ignored? Maybe that was her plan. Art installations can be expressed in many different ways and can mean absolutely anything and with that being said although I found the production quiet strange and uncomfortable to watch, it was definitely something different and had great visuals.

Matthew Barney

Matthew Barney is an American artist who works in sculpture, photography, drawing and film. His early works are sculptural installations combined with performance and video. The Cremaster Cycle was described by The Guardian as “one of the most imaginative and brilliant achievements in the history of avant-garde cinema.”

The Cremaster Cycle is a series of five feature films, photographs, drawing and sculptures. This is known as Barneys greatest work.