A pioneer in the medium of video art, Bill Viola's work  explores the spiritual and perceptual side of human experience. Since  1970 he has created videotapes, architectural video installations, sound  environments, electronic music performances and pieces for television.  Works include Hatsu Yume (First Dream), The Passing, and installations  Room for St. John of the Cross, The Messenger and The Quintet of the  Astonished, recently shown at the National Gallery, London in  "Encounters, New Art from Old". A 25-year survey exhibition of his work  organized by The Whitney Museum of American Art recently traveled to 6  institutions in the USA and Europe. MacArthur Fellow.