Bill Viola is internationally recognized for establishing motion video as a vital form of contemporary art. For over thirty-five years he has been creating rich videos, architectural video installations, projects involving sound environments and electronic music performances. His artistic progression depicts rapid adaptation of cutting edge technologies as they were just emerging and I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate one post to his creativity, discuss subject elements that he employs and how his creations are realized in a video installation entitled Acceptance (2008).
It took me several separate occasions to watch the installation in its entirety to fully interpret what that particular work solicits in me. At first, we are seeing a female figure appearing somewhat out of focus. The subject passes through a water stream and emerges in focus. The setting appears un-interpretable at first. But I believe I understand the message, and part of the message is given away in the title itself. Acceptance, as the name implies, has a psychological implication. It involves adaptation of a fact or a trajectory, and often because there is no other alternative. The female subject emerges from darkness, out of focus, and into the light. The beginning and end points of her movement signify a path which symbolizes moving from something undesirable to something worth struggling for, in this case, from darkness to light. Falling water symbolizes a barrier, an obstacle that needs to be defeated, and there is no alternate path around it. Water also symbolizes vulnerability – a cold and unpredictable force that makes the passage both uncomfortable and dangerous. The culmination is reached as the subject emerges into the light, resulting in both a relief and a realization that a milestone has been reached. Take a look at this installation and see if this work solicits a similar feeling in you.
Direct Link: Acceptance (2008)
