READERS, 2017
1 hr 48 min.

In his film READERS, James Benning confronts viewers with four long takes of four individuals silently reading a book of their selection for nearly thirty minutes each. Each reader is caught in a moment of solitude as the artist allows the viewer to embody the sensation of the state one occupies while getting lost in the act of reading. The viewers become “readers” themselves, looking for hints or clues as to what they should be seeing in each shot. As we “read” the subjects, we read ourselves.

Space is limited to 12 participants. Please arrive on time, as spaces not filled by the start of the program will be opened to other interested parties.

Films featured in James Benning: Quilts, Cigarettes & Dirt (Portraits of America) will be screened at multiple Santa Barbara venues throughout the duration of the exhibition. Visit mcasantabarbara.org/upcoming-events for additional screening dates and times.