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What Is the Sound of One Hand Clapping?

A dynamic presentation of Liliane Lijn's revolving, illuminated conical sculptures.

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1973 15 mins

Overview

Abstract electronic sounds provided by Rolf Gehlaar illustrate the uncanny nature of Lijn's work, turning the elevated, large-scale 'koan' into something increasingly alien and UFO like. Words on objects simultaneously freeze and blur as the shapes spin insistently in front of the camera. Lijn has exhibited regularly since. According to her, the title is taken from a Japanese koan, which is a Zen meditation problem.

This piece is from a period when several British artists not ordinarily associated with the medium made works on film, including Rebecca Horn, Derek Boshier and Conrad Atkinson. Partly prompted by changes in funding, it reflected the rise of both conceptual art and evolving ideas about education, with artists often showing films as part of talks at art schools and centres. It was a useful way of presenting their creations while simultaneously encouraging new ways into their practice. Many - like Lijn's film - remain important and interesting works in their own right.

Director

Liliane Lijn

Genres

Animation & Artists Moving Image

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English

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