MoMA's Video Show: Navigating Crossed Signals
The Museum of Modern Art's exhibition "Signals: How Video Transformed the World" showcases video art as a communication medium, exploring its power and pitfalls. The exhibition, the largest of its kind at MoMA, features a wide range of video works that highlight the circulation and impact of video imagery. While some works provoke admiration and intellectual stimulation, others leave viewers baffled or even furious. The exhibition challenges traditional notions of video art and its technical properties, presenting video against broadcast television, government censorship, and corporate interests. It also raises questions about the value of visibility and documentation, with some artists expressing skepticism and exploring the limitations of the screen. However, the exhibition has faced criticism for including videos that propagate conspiracy theories and misinformation. Notable works include "Videograms of a Revolution" and "Letter to a Turtledove," which demonstrate video's democratic potential and its ability to capture historical moments. The exhibition closes this weekend.