Image: Bill Viola, Observance (detail) 2002, colour high-definition video on plasma display mounted on wall, 120.7 x 72.4 x 10.2 cm. Performers: Alan Abelew, Sheryl Arenson, Frank Bruynbroek, Carol Cetrone, Cathy Chang, Ernie Charles, Alan Clark, JD Cullum, Michael Irby, Tanya Little, Susan Matus, Kate Noonan, Paul O'Connor, Valerie Spencer, Louis Stark, Richard Stobie, Michael Eric Strickland, Ellis Williams

Past exhibitions

Bill Viola: Observance
14 May – 16 July 2010
Gallery 3

Bill Viola is internationally recognised as the leading contemporary artist working in video art today. A pioneer of the medium, his consistent artistic explorations have focused on the universal human experience, addressing the central themes of consciousness and experience: birth, death, love and emotion.

In Observance, a steady stream of people slowly moves forward toward our view. One by one they pause at the head of the line, overcome with emotion. Their gazes are fixed on an unknown object just out of sight below the edge of frame. An air of solemnity and sorrow pervades the scene. Individuals sometimes touch each other gently or exchange brief glances as they pass. Couples comfort one another in their shared grief. All are unified by their common desire to reach the front of the line and make contact with what is there. Once their solitary moment is fulfilled, they move to the back of the line to make way for the others.

A mirror shines at Samstag media release – Read (PDF file, 205kb)

Exhibition brochure including essay by Ross Wolfe accompanies Bill Viola: Observance. Available through the Samstag Museum.

Thursday 24 June 6pm
A special screening of The Passing by Bill Viola was presented at the Iris Cinema. The Passing 1991 anticipates the drama of love and loss explored in Observance and embodies many of the recurring themes in Viola's art.