Gary Hill Documentary

The documentary began by introducing a very interesting concept of the artist Gary Hill: the belief that video an image-less medium, and simply a method of thinking out-loud. This becomes incredibly evident in his work as the viewer is often unable to comprehend his imagery because of the short amount of time that the audience is given in perceiving context. The image is also often neutralized by other elements like dull uniform colors and scenes lacking much depth or detail. Outside elements affecting the understanding of the image include alternating frame lengths that seem to compound and then slow. The most influential piece of his was the division of the separate camera views based on the concentration on the various parts of his body. Though he cited it as not far unlike a crucifixion, it was arranges more like a deformation of the subject or perspective. The piece depicting the "panorama" of the body was similar in its effort to use not only composition of the completed form: the screens, but also evidences of time to mimic symmetry. Later, he seems to carry this idea of miscomprehension into his use of language in his films, or even the development of language without meaning. There is a development of doubt in the image: subjects may often appear realistic but are still quite anonymous; which appears to serve as a way for the viewer to focus on their own tangible sense of time and space.