
Bill Viola
Biography
A pioneer in the medium of video art, Bill Viola's work explores the spiritual and perceptual side of human experience. Since 1970 he has created videotapes, architectural video installations, sound environments, electronic music performances and pieces for television. Works include Hatsu Yume (First Dream), The Passing, and installations Room for St. John of the Cross, The Messenger and The Quintet of the Astonished, recently shown at the National Gallery, London in "Encounters, New Art from Old". A 25-year survey exhibition of his work organized by The Whitney Museum of American Art recently traveled to 6 institutions in the USA and Europe. MacArthur Fellow.
Known For

Film
Trovoada
Self (voice)
1995

Film
What Is Cinema?
Self
2013

Film
The Reflecting Pool
Performer
1979

Film
The Voyage
Gatekeeper
2002

Film
Going Forth By Day
(segment "The Voyage")
2002

Film
I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like
Himself
1986
Film
Return
1975
Film
Processing the Signal
Himself

Film
Bill Viola: The Eye of the Heart
Self
2003

Film
Bill Viola: The Road to St. Paul's
Self
2017
Film
Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House
1983

Film
Migration (for Jack Nelson)
1976
Film
The Deluge
Filmography
2017FilmBill Viola: The Road to St. Paul'sas Self2013FilmWhat Is Cinema?as Self2003FilmBill Viola: The Eye of the Heartas Self2002FilmGoing Forth By Dayas (segment "The Voyage")2002FilmThe Voyageas Gatekeeper1995FilmTrovoadaas Self (voice)1986FilmI Do Not Know What It Is I Am Likeas Himself1983FilmReasons for Knocking at an Empty House1979FilmThe Reflecting Poolas Performer1976FilmMigration (for Jack Nelson)1975FilmReturn—FilmProcessing the Signalas Himself—FilmThe Deluge