Identification of the Work and Its Medium
Nowadays, technologies allow artists to push the boundaries of art and communicate their messages and beauty to people through video and TV. One of Pipilotti Rist’s most famous artworks is Ever is Over All, an audio-video installation first shown in 1997. This beautiful and engaging performance still causes different emotions in its audience as it refers to the concerns and issues of the power of nature and females.
Social Contribution of the Work
It is possible to say that Ever is Over All makes a significant social contribution by conveying essential ideas. When the protagonist walks calmly and happily through the streets, the viewer feels a possible unity with nature. However, the latter’s power against technology is shown when Rist breaks a car glass with a flower (Snell, 2017). The strength and solidarity of females are demonstrated when a policewoman only smiles approvingly, noticing Rist’s behavior. Therefore, women can receive this message about the need to stay together against social injustices, and society, in general, is reminded about the need to value environments.
Aesthetic Value and Reflection of the Human Condition
The installation is aesthetically beautiful, as nice colors and visuals are presented. In her interview, the artist said that she painted the video, and its colors tell their own story (Louisiana Channel, 2016). The artwork shows a condition that females often experience because of social pressure – they must act calmly and happily, even when angry or aggressive. This installation relates to my life in a way that I stand for humanity’s unity with nature.
Censorship History: Circumstances and Impact
The artwork has never been censored, and governments are not justified in censoring art because people have freedom of expression.
Artistic Status: Should This Work Be Considered Art?
Video projection, imagery, and sound make video artwork a part of actual art, and Rist’s installation is also art. According to Snell (2017), “While it borrows the tropes of the music video, it edges into the world of the art gallery through its installation on two screens” (para. 10). It is perceived and appreciated dramatically by people because it effectively conveys its message.
Beyoncé used Ever is Over All as a source of inspiration for her music (Snell, 2017). Therefore, this creation should be considered art because Rist put a deep meaning in it and endowed it with distinctive features. For example, she used multiple video monitors instead of a single image to not arrest the audience’s attention.
References
Louisiana Channel. (2016). Pipilotti Rist interview: Color is dangerous [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Snell, T. (2017). Here’s looking at: Pipilotti Rist, Ever Is Over All. The Conversation. Web.