Underscan

Nancy Holt, Underscan, 1973-1974, single-channel video, black and white, sound; 09:12 minutes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by the Ford Motor Company, 2007.33.17, © 1973-1974The Holt/Smithson Foundation. Courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix, NY

Artwork Details

Title: Underscan
Artist: Nancy Holt
Date: 1973-1974
Location: Not on view
Copyright: © 1973-1974The Holt/Smithson Foundation. Courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix, NY
Credit Line: Museum purchase made possible by the Ford Motor Company
Mediums: video
Mediums Description: single-channel video, black and white, sound; 09:12 minutes
Classifications: Media Arts
Subjects: Architecture Interior — domestic — house
Recreation — leisure — letter reading and writing
Object Number: 2007.33.17
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2007.33.17

Artwork Description

Underscan draws its name from a process used in video editing in which edges of the image are compressed--a technique the artist uses here to reflect on the limits of time. She comprises a narrative out of still images and personal memories. Letters written by her Aunt Ethel detailing the experience of aging are read aloud, while photographs of Ethel's home are shown. As the video progresses, images become distorted and compressed, offering a moving message about the human experience and the fugitive nature of memory.