Michaël Renassia’s Retro-Futuristic Art, Born between Paris and Tokyo
The visual artist and audio technician's video sequences combine the Western 90s aesthetic with the quirky kawaii spirit.
Like something salvaged from a wrinkled VHS tape, the video sequences created by Parisian artist, director, and audio technician Michaël Renassia are striking. The artist works in the heart of the Japanese experimental scene, and his aesthetic borrows as much from the 90s as it does from the quirky universe of kawaii, a reminiscence of the six years Michaël Renassia spent living in Japan.
Subverting Japanese aesthetics
His colourful pop creations hold universal appeal for musicians (Para One, Mr Oizo, and Basement Jaxx) and brands (Le Bon Marché, Balmain, and Nike) alike, for whom the artist makes videos and advertising films that are as immersive as they are playful.
Some of Michaël Renassia’s videos are available to watch on his Vimeo channel.
TRENDING
-
Recipe for ‘Okayu’ from the Film ‘Princess Mononoke’
This rice soup seasoned with miso is served by a monk to Ashitaka, one of the heroes in Hayao Miyazaki's film.
-
The Heritage of Issey Miyake’s Itajime Shirt
Named for a Kyoto dyeing technique, this shirt highlights the designer's pleating expertise in a stunning play of color.
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
A Picturesque Garden Nestled Within the Adachi Museum of Art
Designed according to the 'shakkei' technique, this green space has held the title of the most beautiful garden in Japan since 2002.
-
‘Tokyo-Ga’, a Waking Dream of Tokyo
In this documentary, Wim Wenders follows in the tracks of his favourite director, Yasujiro Ozu, and his legendary film ‘Tokyo Story’.
