Before Projection

This examination of video art history highlights the evolution of monitor-based sculptures, particularly in the context of the book Before Projection.

The book Before Projection: Video Sculpture 1974 – 1995 delves into a significant yet often overlooked segment of video art history. It highlights the evolution of video sculpture from the mid-1970s, a time when the medium began to transition dramatically with the introduction of large-scale installations in gallery spaces. This exploration not only sheds light on the artistic innovations of the period but also connects them to contemporary practices in video art, illustrating a continuum of creative expression.

Focusing on the years between early video experimentation and the eventual institutional acceptance of video art, Before Projection provides a focused survey of monitor-based sculptures. The book examines how these works were positioned within the broader art narrative, especially in relation to painting and traditional sculpture. By doing so, it seeks to articulate the aesthetic significance of monitor sculptures, proposing that they deserve recognition as vital contributions to the art world.

In essence, Before Projection serves as a critical examination of the role of video sculpture within the larger context of art history. It invites readers to reconsider the impact of these works on the evolution of sculpture throughout the 1980s, affirming their relevance and influence in shaping contemporary artistic practices.