"Sleep" by Juha Lilja is an avant-garde exploration of cohabitation through an eight-hour dreamlike journey, challenging traditional perceptions of time and space.
On the 50th anniversary of Warhol's cult film, Sleep, Lilja took the risk and decided to make a remake of the classic. Andy could not make it according to his plans due to the technical limitations, but this version will do it: No looping. Just 8 hours of sleep.—APN201
"Sleep" is an avant-garde film directed by Juha Lilja, released in 2013. The eight-hour digital masterpiece delves into the art of cohabitation, challenging traditional perceptions of time and space. As the protagonist sleeps, the film uses perfectly timed cuts, zooms, and sounds to create a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting viewers to actively engage in the creation of aura within their own analogue spaces.—Chapita Gani
"Sleep," directed by Juha Lilja, is an avant-garde digital masterpiece that explores the boundaries of time, space, and artistic experience. Released in 2013, the film is a contemporary reimagining of Andy Warhol's original concept, brought to life with a nuanced approach to aesthetics and a deep understanding of the viewer's role in creating aura.
The film unfolds over a mesmerizing eight-hour duration, skillfully crafted to engage the audience in a unique journey of cohabitation with the art. Lilja employs perfectly timed cuts, zooms, and sounds, reminiscent of the avant-garde movements of the '50s and '60s. Drawing inspiration from experimental music and installation art, the film demands an active observer, challenging traditional perceptions of art and time.
As the protagonist sleeps, the camera angles, dream sequences shot on a drone and a motorcycle, and carefully chosen sounds create a dreamlike atmosphere. Lilja's intentional use of digital tools enhances the film's ability to weave an aura within the viewer's analogue room space. This attention to detail mirrors the evolving theories discussed by Christopher Costabile in his thesis, proposing an "aesthetics of cohabitation."
"Sleep" becomes a digital canvas where the audience, in their own unique space, co-creates an auratic event. The film's unexpected traction in 2023, coupled with its removal from YouTube, adds another layer to its exploration of societal changes, attention economies, and the evolving nature of art in the digital age.
In essence, "Sleep" is not just a film but an immersive journey, a testament to the evolving interplay between art, technology, and the individual's experience-an eight-hour visual symphony that challenges, captivates, and redefines the very essence of cinematic art.
