Synoptic Gospel Installation (Speculative)

Goals and Objectives 

I have been fascinated (blame HACS!) by the relationship between art and spirituality. I am also intrigued by the many representations of Jesus on film. Wikipedia/IMDB list some fifty screen representations of the aspects of the life of Christ - all different, all reflecting different points. My project, like a theological apologetic is to try and compare and reconcile these together; and in that process show a bigger picture that combined may illuminate an unseen aspect. The audience could be varied. Importantly, it is not aimed at the true believer and would include controversial material, such as the ‘Last Temptation” and ‘Life of Brian’. This is an installation that uses filmed narratives of the gospel to create a super narrative. A number of filmed reconstructions of the life of Christ are played simultaneously. Each one is synchronised with the other when they are either re-inacting the same event, supposedly at the same time or where the dialogue largely fits. Where it doesn’t then the film is paused. That way each fills in detail/creates story where it is lacking in others. Overall, I have identified more than 50 films/plays about Jesus, my estimation would be for the performance to run for around 15 hours.

Significance:

Manipulating and using existing film in a new and creative way has long been done. For example 24 Hour Psycho created by artist Douglas Gordon in 1993, and works by BillViola. Having this play out may have a strong emotional impact on an audience; I see people walking between screens as they attempt to follow the story. Where possible, images would be life sized. 

Project Plan 

This is a speculative project. To realise it, rights would have to be sought, many agreements made. It would need a huge space and be expensive to run. 

Conclusion

One area yet to be investigated is if this could be condensed down to a single edited film. Places that could (1) afford, and (2) have the requirted space would include the Ackerman Gallery in Saumur, France.

Updated image with figures to indicate size.