Art Instression #23: James Cohan Gallery
Art Work: Bill Viola: Bodies of Light Oct. 23-Dec. 19
The Voice: Not everyone wants enlightenment.
The Word: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1: 5)
Pneuma, 1994/2009, Still from three channels of black-and-white video projected into three corners of a darkened square space; amplified sound mono
They are drawn to it. They are perplexed by it. They are afraid of it. They are naked before it. They see themselves. They see and don’t like it. Why have you shown me? I want to go back where I came from. Where all is dark and hidden. Leave me alone in my sorrow.
This exhibition includes several flat screen pieces from the Transfiguarion series, Viola’s newest body of work, which originated with Ocean Without a Shore, created for the 15th Century Church of San Gallo during the Venice Biennale in 2007. See an interview with the artist about that exhibition on Art With Your Own Eyes.
