Bill Viola - Royal Academy Exhibition

Bill Viola

'Life, Death Rebirth'

Royal Academy Exhibiton

American video artist Bill Viola explores mortality through renaissance Michelangelo. There are underlying themes in both of the artists work such as  the uncertainty of life and the possibility that there may be more to life than simply our existence.

It seems as though Viola is intrigued by Michelangelo's obsession with immortality, and in contrast chooses to explore the reality of mortality in some of his video works. One in particular, two naked old people are examining one another's bodies and wrinkles in their flesh with handheld flashlights. To me this appears to exemplify taking a closer look at mortality which I find a fascinating approach. The work is potent and affecting.

The perfected works of marble alongside Viola's work make one think deeply about the pressure we as humans put upon ourselves to strive for perfection, and the harsh reality of its improbability. Overall I found this a fresh and impactful take on examining art across different time periods, and it was something I had certainly never seen before.