Kool, Snowy Owl (Horizontal Blue)

“Kool, Snowy Owl, (Horizontal Blue)” is a synthesis of Robert Wilson’s refined mastery in opera direction, photography, choreography, scenography, and the design of light and sound. This work belongs to the “Video Portraits” series, presented at Onassis Stegi in 2013, and is now part of the Onassis Foundation’s permanent collection.

Using high-definition video, the image acquires theatrical depth and clarity, mirroring the stage—which in itself mirrors life. The ancient Greek owl, a mythological symbol of wisdom, finds a contemporary echo in the Snowy Owl: a rare species that remains active both day and night, much like the artwork that plays in an endless loop.

The title “Kool” refers to an archaic word meaning ‘to pay attention with your eyes’—precisely what the owl does. The word also imitates, phonetically, the sound the bird makes. At first glance, the image appears static, like a photograph. Only upon prolonged observation do the owl’s subtle movements reveal themselves, inviting the viewer to reflect on presence, stillness, and attentiveness.

As Wilson describes his “Video Portraits,” they are “documents of our time.” “Kool, Snowy Owl” captures not just an animal, but the contemplative wisdom embedded in the rhythms of natural life.

Country: USA
Medium: High-Definition Video
Duration: 1΄46΄΄