But perhaps the book itself sums up the point. It's called The Humiliation of the Text, and its back jacket blurb reads: "Jacques Ellul for the first time intertwines sociological analysis with theological discussion in this provocative examination of how reality (which is visual) has superseded truth (which is verbal) in modern times." By this time Hill had pursued language deeper and deeper into its labyrinth, and he'd finally come to the conclusion that such an investigation will only get you lost.
This statement is made most elequently in one of the most acclaimed works of his career, 1992's installation Tall Ships. In it Hill disposes with language altogether, bringing viewers into a 30m-long, dark corridor, where they encounter a dozen spectral figures at regular intervals and total silence. The figures, people of all ages and walks of life, are black and white video projections that seem like holograms. Slowly, like the ships sailing in and out of the Pacific northwest fog that inspired Hill, they advance towards the viewer and then retreat, coming to the absolute verge of communicating through silent gestures and the absolute admission that between every two individuals there is an unbridgeable gap.
Hill was to perform Black Performance at the museum on May 2. But his visit was postponed due to SARS. If local conditions improve, Hill will come to give the performance on June 21. Unfolding Visions is on display through Aug. 24. MOCA Taipei is located at 39, Chang-an W Rd, Taipei (
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