Bill Ham kinetic painting

Working in his studio with live and recorded sound, Ham developed a technique of spontaneous projection painting (electric action painting) involving simultaneous composition – execution – and presentation. Ham’s utilization of electricity for the action painter’s method of spontaneous composition and execution, introduced several relatively revolutionary elements, including the final step in the abandonment of not only the easel, but the canvas as well. Electric action painting, true to nature itself, ceased to be a “frozen” moment or “finished” object, and became a series of uninterrupted projected imagery existing only during the time of projection. The “act” of painting and “the ” painting, now existed simultaneously. This unusual quality of momentariness and impermanence required a new painter – viewer relationship. Viewer “participation” for such a “present tense” art, suggested attendance not only for occasional public presentations, but during studio “sessions” as well. As one cannot rehearse spontaneity, the studio sessions have never been related to as “rehearsals”, rather as “shared” experience.

Following months of studio work, in January, 1966, Ham presented three weeks of electric action painting performances in San Francisco. Assisted by Robert Fine with music by William Spencer and Oscar Daniels.

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