Bodies of Light

Throughout his 40-year career Viola has extensively researched and experienced Eastern religions, which he describes as being ‘all about the knower and the known being part of a larger unity’. These concepts have been fundamental within Viola’s practice. The text is a translation from the Quran; it is attributed here to Zia Inayat Khan who is a scholar and teacher of Sufism. Key to this creed – and central to Viola’s art – is the notion of personal and collective transformation.

Produced in the historic RA Schools, the starting point for this etching was a drawing by Viola made in 2006. The circular form, which almost seems to vibrate on the page, is evocative of an eye or viewfinder. As a student at Syracuse University in the early 1970’s, Viola experimented with homemade versions of a camera obscura allowing him to explore this method of image projection which dates back to ancient China.

Each print is numbered in pencil with the artist’s signature blind-embossed. 

The starting point for this etching, which was produced in the RA Schools, was a drawing by Viola made in 2006. The circular form, which seemingly vibrates on the page, is evocative of an eye or viewfinder. 

As a student at Syracuse University in the early 1970s, Viola experimented with homemade versions of a camera obscura, allowing him to explore this method of image projection which dates back to ancient China. Throughout his 45-year career Viola has extensively researched and experienced Eastern religions, which he describes as being ‘all about the knower and the known being part of a larger unity’. These concepts have been fundamental within Viola’s practice. The text is a translation from the Quran; it is attributed here to Zia Inayat Khan who is a scholar and teacher of Sufism. Key to this creed and central to Viola’s art is the notion of personal and collective transformation.

The RA Editions programme generates valuable revenue for the RA and in particular the RA Schools.​​