Event Press Release

SFMOMA Hosts Special Bruce Conner Screenings Programs To Feature Artist's Entire Film Repertoire

Release date: September 7, 2005

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The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is pleased to present Conner Obscura, a special two-part program featuring virtually every film and video work in existence by celebrated Bay Area artist Bruce Conner. Prominent in the Beat movement, Conner is recognized as a pioneer of independent filmmaking, incorporating compiled footage, pop music, and fast-paced editing to create a distinctive style that continues to influence filmmakers today.

Conner Obscura: Part I
Film Screening and Discussion
Bruce Conner, artist; Tony Reveaux, writer and critic
Thursday, December 8, 7–10 p.m.
Phyllis Wattis Theater

Part I of this special program features rarely seen films by Conner, with reassessments of his earlier work and remastered movies. Highlights include multiple alternate versions of REPORT (1967), a look at the television broadcast of the Kennedy assassination events, and the stunning 35mm print of CROSSROADS (1976), edited from declassified footage of the underwater atomic blast at Bikini Atoll. The program concludes with a conversation between Conner and Reveaux and a question-and-answer period with the audience.

Screening Index

CROSSROADS
1976, 35mm, b&w/so, 36 min.

LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS (LONG VERSION)
1996, 16mm, color/so, 14.5 min.

REPORT
1963–67, 16mm, b&w/so, 13 min.

TELEVISION ASSASINATION
1963–95, 16mm, b&w/so, 14 min.

REPORT Restoration of third version, c. 1964
DVD, b&w/so, 13 min.

Tickets: $15 general; $10 SFMOMA members, students, and seniors.


Conner Obscura: Part II
Film Screening and Discussion
Dominic Angerame, executive director, Canyon Cinema; Bruce Conner, artist
Saturday, December 10, 2–6 p.m.
Phyllis Wattis Theater

Screenings of Conner's work continue on Saturday. This afternoon program includes A MOVIE (1958), COSMIC RAY (1961), LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS (1961–67), TAKE THE 5:10 TO DREAMLAND (1977), VALSE TRISTE (1979), and many more. Angerame will introduce the program, and Conner will be present to answer questions at the event's conclusion.

Screening Index

LUKE
2004, DVD, color/so, 22 min.

A MOVIE
1958, 16mm, b&w/so, 12 min.

MARILYN TIMES FIVE
1968–73, 16mm, b&w/so, 13.5 min.

THE WHITE ROSE
1967, 16mm, b&w/so, 7 min.

BREAKAWAY
1966, 16mm, b&w/so, 5 min.

VIVIAN
1964, 16mm, b&w/so, 3 min.

TEN SECOND FILM
1965, 16mm, b&w/so, 10 sec.

COSMIC RAY
1961, 16mm, b&w/so, 4 min.

LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS
1961–67, 16mm, color/so, 3 min.

MONGOLOID
1978, 16mm, b&w/so, 3.5 min.

AMERICA IS WAITING
1982, 16mm, b&w/so, 3.5 min.

PERMIAN STRATA
1969, 16mm, b&w/so, 4 min.

REPORT
1963–67, 16mm, b&w/so, 13 min.

TAKE THE 5:10 TO DREAMLAND
1977, 16mm, sepia/so, 5.5 min.

VALSE TRISTE
1979, 16mm, b&w/so, 5 min.

Tickets for each day are $15 general; $10 SFMOMA members, students, and seniors.

Media Contacts

  • Libby Garrison, 415.357.4177,
  • Robyn Wise, 415.357.4172,
  • Sandra Farish Sloan, 415.357.4174,

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