Bill Viola (American, born 1951) is a major figure in the development of video and installation art. For over four decades, the artist has created video work, architectural video installations, sound environments, electronic music performances, and works for television broadcast. "The Raft" exemplifies Viola’s powerfully affecting work. Originally created as a commission for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, this presentation is part of a new national tour. Meticulously captured in slow-motion, "The Raft" arouses a visceral experience of human calamity and shared humanity, provoking a consideration of the range of responses to crisis.

This presentation of "Bill Viola: The Raft" is organized by the American Federation of Arts (AFA) and Bill Viola Studio. "The Raft" is part of ArtRoom, an ongoing series of contemporary art installations organized by the AFA. This presentation is made possible, in part, by funds from the A.R. Brooks Trust.