Bruce Conner

Bruce Conner (1933–2008) was a pioneering artist known for his multifaceted contributions to American postwar art, spanning film, assemblage, drawing, and photography. Among his diverse body of work, his engagement with atomic themes stands out as a critical exploration of the anxieties of the nuclear age. Conner grew up during the rise of the atomic era, and his work often reflects the psychological and cultural impacts of living under the shadow of nuclear warfare. His assemblages, such as “Bombhead” (1989), juxtapose imagery of mushroom clouds, found objects, and stark black-and-white photographs to evoke both fascination and dread, offering a visceral commentary on the destructive power of atomic weapons. These pieces interrogate humanity’s relationship with technology and violence, serving as both historical document and critical reflection.

Conner’s films also delve into atomic themes, particularly his use of found footage to critique the media’s portrayal of nuclear weaponry and its implications. His iconic film “Crossroads” (1976) is a haunting meditation on the first underwater atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll. Using archival footage slowed to an almost hypnotic pace and set to a score by Terry Riley, the film transforms the devastating explosion into an eerily beautiful and surreal spectacle. By deconstructing the imagery of nuclear testing, Conner exposes the tension between technological advancement and existential threat, urging viewers to reconsider the cultural narratives surrounding atomic power. Through his atomic-themed works, Conner not only captured the zeitgeist of Cold War fears but also created a timeless critique of humanity’s capacity for self-destruction.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a 1976 short film directed by Bruce Conner. It features 37 minutes of extreme slow-motion replays of the July 25, 1946 Operation Crossroads Baker underwater nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. The event was captured for research purposes by five hundred cameras stationed on unmanned planes, high-altitude aircraft, boats near the blast, and from more distant points on land around the Atoll.The location was selected in part because the network of islands formed an almost complete ellipse around the detonation site, allowing for a comprehensive documentation of the event from numerous angles. The music is by Patrick Gleeson and Terry Riley.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossroads_(1976_film)