Voom Portraits

Voom Portraits is a series of video portraits created by iconic artist and theater director Robert Wilson, showcasing the unique aesthetic of his artistic vision in a new format. Taking advantage of the advancements in high-definition technology, Wilson combines the precision of still photography with the dynamic aspects of motion pictures, resulting in a visually striking and thought-provoking series. The Voom Portraits project features an impressive array of actors, including Brad Pitt, Isabelle Huppert, Steve Buscemi, Robert Downey Jr., and Winona Ryder. Each of these individuals was approached by Wilson to explore their own unique interpretation of identity and self-expression, allowing them to "think of nothing" and move at a deliberate, steady pace. By removing the constraint of typical narrative storytelling, Wilson provides the subjects with the freedom to simply exist and respond to their environment in a way that is both authentic and introspective. One of the striking aspects of the Voom Portraits series is Brad Pitt's portrayal of a character as a "crazy person on the streets in the rain." This enigmatic figure moves slowly and purposefully through the landscape, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue that invites the viewer to ponder the nature of his character. By choosing to capture Pitt in a state of vulnerability, Wilson creates a poignant and contemplative portrait that defies categorization. Isabelle Huppert, meanwhile, embodies the spirit of Greta Garbo in her Voom Portrait. As the camera captures her subtle movements, Huppert brings a sense of quiet elegance to the role, her eyes and facial expressions conveying a sense of depth and emotionality that is both captivating and mesmerizing. By tapping into the iconic status of the Hollywood legend, Wilson honors Garbo's timeless allure while also imbuing the piece with a modern sensibility. Steve Buscemi's appearance as a "mad butcher chewing gum on a variety show" serves as a perfect example of Wilson's skill in extracting a singular essence from each subject. Buscemi's character seems to be disconnected from the world around him, moving through the space with a sense of disorientation that is both hilarious and poignant. By capturing the actor in this particular circumstance, Wilson highlights the absurdity and vulnerability of the human experience. Robert Downey Jr.'s Voom Portrait is perhaps the most striking of the series, given his ability to bring complexity and nuance to even the most surreal of roles. In his portrayal of a "dreaming corpse in a Rembrandt painting," Downey conjures a sense of mystery and intrigue that lingers long after the camera stops rolling. By allowing Downey to embody the stillness and detachment of a corpse, Wilson creates a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition that is both captivating and unsettling. Winona Ryder, meanwhile, embodies the enigmatic Winnie from Samuel Beckett's Happy Days in her Voom Portrait. As she moves steadily, almost imperceptibly, through the sand, Ryder conveys a sense of existential despair that is both compelling and heartbreaking. By capturing her character in this moment of suspended uncertainty, Wilson honors the Beckett's classic work while also introducing it to a new generation of viewers. Throughout the Voom Portraits series, Wilson showcases his mastery of the human form, both as a visual element and as a subject of contemplation. By stripping away the distractions of narrative and embracing the simplicity of stillness, he creates a platform for the actors to express themselves in their most unguarded moments, showcasing their unique essence, and leaving lasting impressions on the viewer.