More generally Viola's works have been informed by the devotional paintings of the Late Middle Ages, such as Bouts' diptych of the 'Weeping Virgin' and 'Christ Crowned with Thorns', which through their depiction of suffering were intended to move the viewer to tears. Perhaps the strongest continuous influence on Viola's work has been his deep engagement with the Eastern mystical tradition and art. The ferocious figure of 'Fudo Myo'O' displayed inh the exhibition is a protector of Buddhism, his sword to be used against the evils of illusion, in order to reveal the reality concealed by appearances.

As well works from 'The Passions' series, the exhibition included two earlier works: 'The Greeting' (1995), based on a painting of 'The Visitation' by the sixteenth-century artist Pontormo, anticipated 'The Passions' in its use of actors and slow motion to open out a forty second encounter to over 10 minutes.

'The Crossing' (1996) is a large-scale video and sound installation which uses the elemental symbols of water and fire as annihilating, transforming forces, with parallels to the abandonment and transformation of self we experience when consumed by the deepest emotions.