Buky Schwartz Videoconstructions (1978)

This work by Buky Schwartz (1932–2009) features six segments, each recorded in a single, continuous, unedited sequence of actions. The video and audio were captured simultaneously, showcasing Schwartz’s innovative technique of merging video with sculptural principles. Born in Jerusalem, Schwartz moved to London in 1959, becoming a prominent figure in the 1960s sculptural movement at St. Martin’s School of Art. In 1971, he relocated to New York, expanding his practice to include video installations. His work examines the interplay between appearance and reality, frequently involving the viewer as an active participant. Schwartz’s works have been featured in major exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (1966), the Whitney Biennial (1981) in New York, the Carnegie International (1982) in Pittsburgh, and Documenta (1987) in Kassel. He was also represented in leading historical surveys of video art such as A History of Video Art (1984) at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and Video Skulptur (1989), Cologne. His artworks are held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, ZKM, Guggenheim, and the Smithsonian museums.