Los Angeles–based artist William E. Jones’ passion for uncovering unmined histories has fueled his intense archival search for ephemera such as commercials, ’80s gay porn, CIA surveillance footage, and instructional films. His findings have informed a host of experimental videos, documentaries, installations, artist’s books, and curated programs.

In these lecture/screenings, Jones discusses his current obsessions as well as filmmakers who have influenced him, drawing on selections from the Walker’s Ruben/Bentson Film and Video Study Collection.

Program One: Friday, April 12, 7:30 pm

In his work-in-progress Villa Iolas 1982, Jones uncovers a shocking art crime that took place in the ornate villa of Greek art dealer/collector Alexander Iolas after his death in 1987. Also screening are films by Ivan Ladslav Galeta, Kurt Kren, Hollis Frampton, Rose Lowder, and Jack Goldstein. Program length 90 minutes.

Program One Films

Directed by William E. Jones:
Excerpt of Villa Iolas 1982, a work in progress, 2013
“Killed”, 2009
Punctured, 2010
Monument, 2011
VHS Interview, 2012
Contraband, 2010
Actual T. V. Picture, 2013
The Soviet Army Prepares for Action in Afghanistan, 2011
Shoot Don’t Shoot, 2012
Ivan Ladslav Galeta, Water Pulu 1869 1896, 1988
Kurt Kren, 2/60 48 Köpfe Aus Dem Szondi-Test (48 Heads from the Szondi Test), 1960
Hollis Frampton, The Birth of Magellan: Cadenza I, 1980
Rose Lowder, Voiliers et Coquelicots (Sailboats and Poppies), 2001
Jack Goldstein, The Jump, 1978

Program Two: Saturday, April 13, 3 pm

Jones’ short video The Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography (1998) exploring the gay-for-pay exploitation of men after Eastern Europe’s revolutions of 1989 is accompanied by selections of his earlier films and current works. Program length 90 minutes.

Program Two Films

Directed by William E. Jones:
The Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography, 1998
Bay of Pigs, 2012
Midcentury, 2012
Discrepancy (Americans Will Die If They Don’t Give Up the Bombings), 2009
Bruce Conner, TEN SECOND FILM, 1965
George Landow, Remedial Reading Comprehension, 1970