Bill Viola - Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) | TateShots

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Bill Viola’s video installation Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), on display at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The American video and sound installation artist Bill Viola explains how he developed his latest video work Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), an installation consisting of four colour vertical plasma screens, each showing a single figure who is progressively overwhelmed by the onslaught of a natural force.
Reflecting that the Greek word for martyr originally meant ‘witness’, Viola has explained that the martyrs ‘exemplify the human capacity to bear pain, hardship and even death in order to remain faithful to their values, beliefs and principles.’ Like much of Viola’s work, Martyrs offers a contemporary contemplation on life, death and afterlife, and is also the first permanent installation of a video work in a cathedral or church in Britain.

[@jordanmarchand6635]

beautiful

[@gabrielazelikova6543]

I saw it last week at St. Paul´s Cathedral. Surprised me, amazed me. Unforgettable. Thank you.

[@Mazurka1001]

...love Bill Viola’s creativity...surprising always.

[@ladoni9357]

Amazing! Meraviglioso!!! Geniale!!!

[@ChicChicken]

Thank you so much for this.

[@joygill7494]

When I see "earth air fire water" I think of my beliefs. I'm a pagan. Kitchen with if you will. Then I see it in a Cathedral. With martyrs. Fascinating.

[@dantecokinos7165]

wonder what this was filmed on... the light is so soft... but the colors are sooo crispy

[@tonythatjesusloves]

he should have done one with cheese

[@aimeemulvey7513]

I would have enjoyed it more

[@sunburnramthem2373]

the earth of course is the earth

[@edotuxly]

beyond the stains on glass....................

[@oliver13deft]

looks pretty and stuff, but i didn't buy it