Artist John Latham has turned the book into material for many of his works. Here, a silent film moves forward with short fixed views on each double page of volumes of the famous Encyclopedia Britannica. But the scrolling speed is such that this sum of knowledge is perceived as an image impossible to read. Furthermore, as the progression within the books increases, the luminous exposure causes the image to « burn ». Book burning by the film’s fire of a symbol of knowledge. (JPR)
Technical sheet
UK / 1971 / Black & Grey / 16 mm / 6’
Original version : Without dialogue.
