Bent Time

1984, 22 min, color, sound, 16 mm film on video

"Bent Time is influenced by scientists who have noted that light rays curve at the outer edges of the universe leading them to theorize that time also bends. A one-point perspective visual path across the US beginning inside a linear accelerator – or atom-smashing device – and traveling to such high-energy locations as the home of an ancient sun calendar in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico; the site of Ohio Valley Mound cultures; the Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges; and beyond. Inspired by this idea, I used an extreme wide angle lens of 9mm and 'one frame of film per foot of physical space' to simulate the concept of time bending. The film is accompanied by Pauline Oliveros' original score for voice and accordion, Rattlesnake Mountain." — Barbara Hammer