Media, Events, Experiments
Digital Media
Sakura and Kimono
May 31st
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A quick short film made from stock footage I shot in Tokyo in the spring of 2010. Colour graded and vfx added in May 2010. Cliche or Archetypical? You be the judge.
It is an interesting cultural aside to mention that the lady in the video has only worn a kimono twice in her life. This is a common phenomenon in Japan: the first time a young lady usually wears a kimono is for ‘Coming of Age’ day, when she is 20, and the second time is frequently her wedding or university graduation.
Older ladies find more occasions to wear a kimono, including tea ceremony and other traditional cultural affairs. Does this mean that the cultural heritage of Japan is in decline, and that young people are turning more towards an international style? Hardly so: I remember seeing photographs of a temple’s ladies’ club spanning through several decades, and the members were consistently over 50. Perhaps the keen interest in traditions only grows with maturity over the years.
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Hanami: Peeko’s Melody
Oct 26th
Hfour produced an experimental relaxation music video in collaboration with Empty Universe. The piece, originally composed in Tokyo in 2004 by Canadian Artist, Mark Thomas creates an emotional response and feelings of uplifting tranquility.
“Hanami, or ‘cherry blossom viewing’ is my favourite time of year in Japan. It reminds me of the impermanence of life and that nothing lasts, which although somewhat melancholy, also teaches me to value every moment. Each year the blossoms come and go, reminding me that another year has passed, I am a year older and there are a finite number of hanami opportunities in life.
This video is intended as a relaxation piece. There is no story, only a theme. Enjoy the music and the images with a spare 7 minutes; don’t rush it.”
Logo Design: Viterum
Oct 26th
Viterum is an up and coming eco-consulting company based in Tokyo. Their focus is to reduce wasted energy and produce new energies while simultaneously focussing on the bottom line. The inspiring founder’s background is Engineering, which gives Viterum an edge over most ecologically based businesses. The name, Viterum, coming from a combination of the latin words for life, earth and renewal is quite appropriate for the industry. Hfour worked to design a timeless logo which suits the philosophies of Viterum, yet doesn’t possess ‘tree hugger flavor’. The font is a cross between traditional business and contemporary awareness, while the colours connote both the environment and business.
SPC Japan Hair Congress 2009
Aug 3rd
Hfour worked with Six Inch Inc. to produce a video of S-Feh Night at Womb, June 30th 2009.
In addition to live camera mixing during the event, Hfour also produced some of the motion graphic content for the show, supplied a camera crew and edited two final versions of the promotional video.
Sakura in Wadabori Park
Apr 13th
Hanami (Flower Viewing) has become my favourite time of year in Japan. The few days of blossoms remind me of life, renewal, and the ephemeral nature of living things.
Music by Boards of Canada, the song is Zoetrope.
7 For All Mankind Store Opening
Mar 30th
Hfour worked with Bidon and Six Inch to produce a video installation at the party for the 7 for all Mankind store opening in Daikanyama, Tokyo. Three projectors were used to create a seamless image on the ceiling, presenting content following the theme: ‘looking up to nature’.
Shinagawa’s River of People Phenomenon
Dec 11th
Every weekday morning from 8-10am at Shinagawa station in Tokyo, crowds of people on their way to work flow like a river through the corridors of the station. Tokyo business commuters are famous for packing into trains to get to and from work, this video depicts what happens at a major business district when the commuting rush arrives in Shinagawa. This is quite possibly the busiest area in Japan at this time. Music by The MFA, the song is The Difference It Makes (original mix), from James Holden’s album, Balance 005. This video was captured on one morning in December 2008.
60s Themed Video Installation
Nov 28th
Hfour planned and produced a 60s themed video installation at a private event north of Tokyo. Using content from era-defining movies on four televisions and using oil projections to cover the walls, an ‘end of the sixties’ theme was created for a social space at the event. It has been postulated that the peak of the hopes and aspirations for the American Dream happened some time in the late sixties. The world is now in a period of dark times and the hopes of peace, love and freedom from the sixties are a vague memory of a party after last call. At the private event, for one evening, in one space, the hopes of a generation could be viewed with remorse or with a faint feeling of hope for the future.
Dom Perignon Animated Preview
Nov 11th
A sneak preview animation for the 3rd Anniversary Black List party sponsored in part by Dom Perignon, November 15th 2008 at the Crystal Lounge, Tokyo. In addition to branded video content on 2 plasma screens on the 4th Floor, the main floor will be decked out with a large projection screen and a ceiling illumination experiment being developed for a future event.
Dom Perignon animated crest from Hfour on Vimeo.
Live video performance excerpt.
Aug 28th
An excerpt from a live video performance piece by Hfour. Originally performed at Ultra’s grand opening event, June 2008.
Music: Micah Lukasewich’s remix of Tommib by Squarepusher – Oldschoolin’ Booty.
Software: Modul8
Some loops in this clip were provided by: Lightryhthmvisuals and AnalogRecycling.