The Pop artist turned filmmaker Andy Warhol, along with the avant-garde artist Jonas Mekas, embarked on a cinematic experiment on 25 July 1964 that would become groundbreaking. Positioned on the forty-fourth floor of the Time-Life Building, they pointed their camera at the Empire State Building for six continuous hours. Using 1,200-foot rolls of film, they captured what would become “Empire,” an eight-hour durational film showcasing the Art Deco building as it transformed under shifting light and shadow. This epic work offers New York a visual tribute akin to Claude Monet’s studies of Rouen Cathedral, immortalising a monument through a stationary lens.
Paying homage to the film’s 60th anniversary, the Museum of Modern Art has partnered with the Andy Warhol Museum and the Empire State Building Observatory Experience for a special screening of “Empire” on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building. The silent film will be shown from 9 a.m. to midnight, providing a unique opportunity to view Warhol’s masterpiece from the very location it celebrates.
There is no perfect time to catch the screening, as each moment offers a distinct experience. In the clear morning light, viewers from the observatories can gaze across the entire length of Manhattan and likely spot the original vantage point where Warhol filmed. As night falls, the black-and-white footage evokes the city’s enchanting yet distant allure, highlighting its romantic contradictions.
This event pays homage to Warhol’s innovative vision and allows attendees to engage with the film in a context that enhances its contemplative exploration of time and space. Whether during the day or after dark, the screening promises to deepen appreciation for Warhol’s work and the iconic New York skyline it so memorably captures.
“Empire,” created in 1964, utilises standard twelve-hundred-foot rolls of 16mm film; Mekas continuously recorded the Empire State Building for over eight hours. Each film reel ends with a flash of light, marking the transition to the next roll and subtly reminding viewers of the mechanical process underlying the cinematic experience.
Warhol’s vision for “Empire” was to foster a novel connection between the viewer and the film. This connection is characterised by the film’s length and unedited nature, encouraging viewers to engage with time and meditation. Warhol’s silent films, including “Empire,” often served as components of larger multimedia environments, incorporating live musical performances or elaborate light shows to enhance the sensory experience.
The aesthetic of “Empire” shares a profound kinship with Warhol’s renowned silkscreen paintings. Both mediums display rough edges and repetitive imagery, openly acknowledging the materials and processes involved in their creation. This self-awareness and emphasis on the artistic process are central to Warhol’s broader artistic philosophy.
The cultural significance of “Empire” was formally recognised in 2004 when it was added to the United States National Film Registry. This honour underscores the film’s lasting impact on the art world and its role in challenging conventional cinematic norms.
Warhol’s experimental approach to filmmaking, exemplified by “Empire,” reflects his broader contributions to the avant-garde movement. His work consistently pushed the boundaries of art, challenging audiences to reconsider their perceptions of time, reality, and the nature of artistic expression.
In “Empire,” viewers are invited to witness the slow and almost imperceptible changes in light and shadow as day turns to night over the Manhattan skyline. This seemingly mundane observation becomes a profound meditation on the nature of time and existence. The film’s extended duration forces viewers to slow down and engage with the present moment, starkly contrasting the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.
Warhol’s intention was not merely to document a static image but to transform the act of watching into an active, immersive experience. By doing so, he expanded the boundaries of what film could be, turning a simple shot of a building into a timeless piece of art that continues to inspire and provoke thought.
In essence, “Empire” is more than just a film; it is an enduring exploration of the passage of time. Warhol’s innovative spirit and a cornerstone of avant-garde cinema are evident. As it continues to be studied and appreciated, “Empire” remains a powerful reminder of film’s potential to transcend narrative and become a profound artistic statement.