A World of Art: Bob Viola

"You have to be just as creative to view...and appreciate a work of art as you do to create it," states Bob Viola, one of America's foremost video artists. In this, and the other videos in this series, viewers learn that how art is made can enhance its relevance and meaning. In 1995, Viola was selected to represent the United States at the world-famous Venice Biennale, a prestigious international art exhibit, and the program follows him as he creates the piece "The Greeting." Watching the step-by-step creative process, along with clips from his other pieces, allows the viewer to see both the inspiration and the "elbow grease" that makes art take form. Interviews with Viola, his father, his wife, and other creative partners also shed light on how the collection of images on tape can synergize into an aesthetic message. Edits are sometimes choppy, and at times there is no reference to identify what we are seeing or hearing (which is a bit disorienting), but the overall production values are solid. Supplementing the series at additional cost is a complete curriculum, including CD-ROMS, textbooks, slides, and student guides. A good way to humanize and make relevant art appreciation courses--by focusing on the artists themselves. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)