ICA Boston

The Confusions of Time

By Lucy Opalka

            William Kentridge’s The Refusal of Time is compelling, to say the least. It is about the synchronization of time and Albert Einstein’s discovery that time is perceived differently by different people. Kentridge combines music, acting, artwork, and his own voice to describe his emotions. And in the middle of all the chaos, there is a silent machine that never stops moving, and can be seen in some of the projections.

            The piece starts off with several metronomes, one or two on each wall projection. Slowly, each metronome’s tempo is altered, according the coned speakers, which changes the sounds you hear depending on where in the room you are. Slowly, a brass band is heard, along with other vocals and everyday sounds such as car horns. There is a video of Kentridge repeatedly climbing over a chair, followed by a silent film. Then, there is a segment containing an explanation of how time is different for others, followed by another about how time is different in space. The last feature is a parade, styled to appear like a procession of slaves.

            The piece successfully conveys the differences in time. But it is so open to interpretation that in the beginning, it is difficult to see where the artist is going. And each person leaves with a different idea of what the artist was trying to get across. I certainly left the room feeling entirely confused. But there is also sense of understanding and satisfaction that goes along with each piece, even if the understanding is only that there is no way a person could possibly absorb all the information that has been thrown at them.

            The piece has a sense of destruction because of all the confusing images, it comes as a surprise when suddenly all the people in each different screen is holding dynamite. You can only watch in horror as suddenly every screen shows an explosion. And yet it leaves behind a dancing figure, on the set previously blown up, and sentences such as “Propaganda by action”. Also, there are pieces of delicate ripped black paper, almost like leaves, that are repeatedly blown together and apart, never forming for long. And with this, Kentridge seemingly tries to portray the idea that nothing is final, and change is good. This took me a while to figure out, and I could sense other’s confusion around me as well.

            Kentridge’s Refusal of Time is realistic yet unearthly at the same time. He presents an honest and overwhelming opinion on the broad topic of time, and the perception of time. While confusing, the piece also enlightens the viewer to Kentridge’s emotions. Overall, see this multiple times; you will not regret it.