Spotlight is a new exhibition series in the Video Gallery, highlighting works from the Hammer Video Library.

Arguably one of the most influential video works of the late 20th century, Rock My Religion (1982-84), examines the similarities between religion and rock music. Beginning with the Shakers, a religious community known for their impassioned shaking and ecstatic ritual dancing, Graham illustrates the parallels between religious practices and the development of rock music as a religion in its own right. Graham focuses on pioneering poet and singer Patti Smith, Punk Rock’s poet laureate whose first album opened with the line "Jesus died for somebody's sins ... but not mine." Using found footage, text and sounds, this compelling video reflects upon a specific moment in American culture which still resonates today.

Original Music: Glenn Branca, Sonic Youth. Sound: Ian Murray, Wharton Tiers. Narrators: Johanna Cypis, Dan Graham. Editors: Matt Danowski, Derek Graham, Ian Murray, Tony Oursler. Produced by Dan Graham and the Moderna Museet.
55:27 minutes, black-and-white, color film with, sound.
Courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix, New York