Half-Masturbation or the Constant Stimulus of Video Art. Kidnapping the Viewer with Douglas Gordon’s 24 Hour Psycho

Abstract

Some people find it very annoying to visit a contemporary art show and to remain stuck in darkened rooms with videos running on monitors or projected against the walls. However, it is hard not to be drawn towards the passing frames and the audience inevitably tries to pick up the plot. Video art appears capable to bind the spectator compelling one in front of the screen, waiting to be amused or repelled. There appears to be some sort of irresistible attraction towards it, a sort of instinctive stimulus. How may an artist foster this natural lure creating attractive video pieces? Bruce Nauman for instance holds the viewer staring at videos as he bounces a ball against the wall or his balls while seemingly masturbating. A female artist like Cheryl Donegan baffles the audience with a video that shows her sensually spilling and licking milk from a holed pint. What is it that makes video art so appealing?