Bill Viola

Date of Birth: January 25, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Bill Viola is an acclaimed American contemporary video artist known for his profound works that explore fundamental human experiences such as birth, death, and consciousness. Born on January 25, 1951, in Queens, New York, Viola has been a pioneer in the field of video art for over four decades. His works are characterized by their immersive quality, often combining elements of sound, image, and installation to create powerful, emotional experiences for viewers. Viola’s journey into the world of art began at Syracuse University, where he studied experimental studios and electronic art. His early influences included Nam June Paik and Peter Campus, both of whom were instrumental in shaping his approach to video art. After graduating in 1973, Viola worked in various capacities, including a stint as a technical director at Art/Tapes/22, a pioneering video studio in Florence, Italy. Throughout his career, Viola has exhibited his works in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. His installations often delve into spiritual and existential themes, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as Renaissance art, Islamic Sufism, Christian mysticism, and Zen Buddhism.

5 Interesting Facts about Bill Viola

1. Bill Viola’s work “The Greeting” (1995) is based on the Renaissance painting “The Visitation” by Pontormo.

2. He was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the “Genius Grant,” in 1989.

3. Viola’s video installations often feature slow-motion imagery and are known for their meticulous attention to detail.

4. He represented the United States at the Venice Biennale in 1995.

5. Viola has collaborated extensively with his wife, Kira Perov, who has been crucial in the production and installation of his works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bill Viola

1. “The fundamental human experiences—birth, death, the unfolding of consciousness—are the same now as they were in the past.”

2. “Art is, for me, the process of putting things back together again.”

3. “The language of light and sound is a universal language that speaks to the human soul.”

4. “To me, video is a direct link to the inner soul.”

5. “The spiritual is not something that is outside us; it is something that is within us and around us.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bill Viola’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Bill Viola and his wife, Kira Perov, have two children, Blake and Andrei Viola. Both children have maintained relatively private lives, away from the public eye.