Obey On Kawara (you're my only hope) (2016)

This film shows a white number on a black background that counts up, in seconds, for exactly an hour. Each second is accompanied by Clements chanting the name ‘On Kawara’. The time frame of an hour, the duration of the film, refers to the typical length of time that TV programmes are allocated and the notion that viewers concentration is trained to conform to this time frame. Outside of this lays TV’s predictable repetition, boredom and the associated passing of time alongside the existential propositions relating to time explored by the conceptual artist On Kawara. The accompanying soundtrack suggests chanting or mantras used for purposes of centredness and meditation or, conversely, methods of persuasion through repetition or brainwashing techniques. The title playfully alludes to the Star Wars phrase “Obi –Wan Kenobi you’re my only hope” juxtaposing the importance of On Kawara’s influence on contemporary art practices with Obi-Wan Kenobi and his mastery of ‘the force.