May 29, 2007
Art Is Thriving. Vive L’Art.
Filed by Trevor at 2:58 pm under The Arts
For the time being I’ve stayed out of the discussion brewing over in Bries’ corner, not because I have nothing to add, but rather I’m more interested in what others have to say on the matter first. But I will jump in soon enough. Before I do, I have something I would like each of you to consider. Below is a work I consider to be one of the most authentic and moving pieces of art created in the last few years, a sentiment compounded by the fact that it came out of pop culture and not the fringes of the artist community. And as is the case with most true works of art, it may offend you. But get over it. Consider all things, then think for yourself.
Very interesting if not a touch bizarre… i’m still thinking about it. And oh man! You and your long-term love affair with Bjork. On a random side note, i’ve always wondered what you thought of the infamous swan dress…
I thought it was brilliant, but I was a little perplexed by the media response to it. If anything, it galvanized her image as an outsider in the mainstream community. It’s really quite amazing that she’s managed to acquire a worldwide following and reputation as a serious innovator, yet still remain under the radar.
I’m constantly back and forth on Bjork, but she has a tight grasp on the music video as an art form — this was gorgeous, but I’m a true sucker for Hyberballad, All Is Full Of Love, Possibly Maybe, and Big Time Sensuality. Trevor, are you familiar with the Director’s Label Series DVDs? They’ve got seven volumes out each dedicated to one of the finest working music video directors. Bjork, once again proving her strength in the form, is included on four of the seven, and I think there are a couple of directors that you would really enjoy.
I’m actually completely unfamiliar with that series — who else is represented on them? I enjoy her videos for the most part, but mainly I’m content just with the music alone. Hyper-ballad is actually my favorite song of anything I’ve heard from anyone (have you heard the string quartet version?) and Possibly Maybe is just fucking sexy.
I was quite interested to hear your feedback on this video, and I’m glad you like it. Pretty potent stuff.
The directors featured are Spike Jonze, Chris Cunningham, Michel Gondry, Mark Romanek, Jonathan Glazer, Stephane Sednaoui, and Anton Corbijn. http://www.directorslabel.com has full listings and trailers and such — I’ve got all seven, and they’re yours for the perusing whenever you get your ass moved.
Lemme just say this. Music videos are one of my favorite art forms. I LOVE them. I do.