RAW: Visual Art
RAW: Bill Viola’s Observance – Samstag Art Museum – To July 14
Jul 1st
A column of people comes, one by one, towards us to observe for themselves and be emotionally affected, absorbed by grief, horror and / or sadness, by a scene playing out below where we stand. We don’t know what it is but by their reactions we too come to be observers of their grief and thus for those immediately involved.
Observance is one of a series of works by Viola comprising The Passions created over three years from 2000 to 2002. His art generally explores themes of human experience, memory and the mystery of existence and he creates compelling, voiceless narratives where their effects are magnified through the slow motion of their movements and expressions.
As much as we too may become infected by the reactions, there is a voyeuristic disposition of these people that is also unsettling for they seem to neither know the players suffering nor, in most instances, those around them as they almost jostle for their chance to gain a clear view. The reassuring touches and anxious glances seem to be mostly towards those who are joined only by this experience. Interestingly, while people of all colours and ages are represented, Viola does not have children in the mix.
This is interesting art that poses questions about how we react when confronted with the grief of others, whether known to us or not, as well as how we can share in the reactions of others. Combined with the Mirror Mirror exhibition, Observance promises that a walk to the West End will again reward you for the effort.
Until 14th July.
RAW: Tim Burton – The Exhibition – ACMI Melbourne
Jun 30th
Any lover of modern, edgy media or graphic design will wish to make a bee line to Melbourne for Tim Burton – The Exhibition at the Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI) in Federation Square before 10th October.
This exhibition, straight from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, is the complete retrospective. To its credit, and what is usually rare from such a display, is copious material from his pre-fame days when growing up as the outsider kid in Burbank, Ca. The first two rooms highlight the array of Burton’s mental and physical doodling and concepts that would become consistent and now famous motifs of his work, all well before he carried studio support – the dark settings, the wiry fingers, arms and legs, the bits that stick out from heads, his love of black and white working together in rings and leafless, winter beaten trees.
Also fascinating is the almost child-like way he presents film concepts to producers and his, at times, very clever sense of humour. Certainly Burton has a distinctive personal artistic vision evoking humour, fantasy and nightmares, living often in between worlds. While some regress to child like stories and fantasy as a comfort zone, Burton says his films are not an attempt at recapturing a childish impulse but a way to make the world fresh and interesting.
While mentioning at the outset media buffs and graphic designers will wish to ensure they see it, a great many other starting points will also attract attendance. Kids will love it, though this is probably more for adults than may be expected, psychologists will have a field day and film buffs generally will be intrigued. Certainly, as much as Burton’s genius is front and centre in his films, one comes to appreciate there are standout performances that actually make those movies hits such as from Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice), Johnny Depp (various) and Jack Nicholson (especially as the Joker).
There is great deal to do on any weekend in Melbourne this winter but this should be a priority.
Kryztoff Rating 4.5K