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March 17, 2006
People. Nagi Noda
People. Nagi Noda: Prepare your calendars. From April 3rd to the 29th, Nagi Noda will be conducting an art installation at colette (Paris). We were first hipped to Nagi's art at the last Res film festival. Her work is unique and possesses a mysticism that defies the mainstream art world - no matter how eclectic it may be. Nagi's visuals are stunning and they definitely push the limits in color application, reality versus abstract, and freeform photography.
Born in Tokyo in 1973, Nagi Noda resided in New York City from 1983 - 1987 where she played an important part in manifesting the “Kawaii” movement (literally translated as “cute”). This expression ultimately echoes the cries of youth in Shibuya (the trendy area of Tokyo), but also reflects the sentiment associated with Japanese trends around the world. A kind of pop artist with a cult following, Nagi Noda has created countless campaigns for Japanese department store LaForet. Also, as an artistic director, she has worked for a number of international labels including Nike in Japan and Coca Cola in London (in association with Mother Agency and featuring a soundtrack created by Jack White of the White Stripes).
As a music video director, her clips created for Yuki, the idolised Japanese singer on MTV Japan, are considered an ongoing phenomenon. The same could be said for several of her short films. Often described as “Alice in Wonderland meets Emily the Strange”, Noda’s work echoes the same creative vibe as Mark Ryden, Michel Gondry or Spike Jonze, as she confidently navigates her way amid art, fashion and music industries alike.
For the first time in France, her exhibition at colette will comprise assorted short films and video clips, among them the ultra-dynamic and hilarious “Ex-Fat Girl”, a fitness video featuring Japanese actress Mariko Takahashi and a host of canine accomplices. Conceptualised as an art film presentation, the project was picked up by electronics giant Panasonic and incorporated into their proposed marketing campaign for the Olympic Games.
Hanpanda giants (life-size panda installations) will also be a part of the exhibition. One part-Panda, one part-something else (a mix of a gorilla, lion, dog, cat or kangaroo, let your imagination decide!), Hanpanda is a hybrid breed which has come to be loved by fans, young and old alike.
Noda’s family of strange and colourful characters dominate her music videos and short-films, whilst her graphic design talent graces magazines, album covers, fashion photographs and more. Essentially, her work interrupts reality with a sense of fantasy and a touch of candy-like humour.
A selection of objects, Medicom design toys, stickers, assorted pocket-toys and other “kawaii” gadgets will be especially made available at the exhibition.
For more information check:
[Hanpanda]
[Panasonic Movies]
[Uchu-Country]
GAS BOOK #22 "NAGI NODA" AVAILAVLE AT COLETTE FROM MONDAY APRIL 3RD, 2006. PRICE: 30 EUROS
EXHIBITION OPENING: MONDAY APRIL 30TH FROM 6PM - 8PM, WITH THE ARTIST IN ATTENDANCE.
Posted by taj at March 17, 2006 04:30 PM