The Liminal Eye

Abstract

This short paper concerns some interrelations between painting and video art. It also reflects an ongoing collaboration between the editors of this volume, since the piece is based on a remark by Hans Breder in conversation. Namely, that one should think of the surface of the painting in relation to the membrance of the eye as if the painting’s surface were part of the eye itself. If we thought of the surface that way, the painting’s surface would have to be thought of as a membrane of visible excitation that is hard to separate from vision. Vision therefore would not be something we simply brought to the work, but to the contrary, would be indistinguishable from or part of the work itself. The eye and icon therefore enjoy a much closer relation than one might ordinarily assume. At issue are Breder’s Liminal Icon series of paintings and his video art work.