Media, Events, Experiments
Ancient Tranquility
Dec 1st
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In the summer of 2009, I traveled to Yakushima, an island in the southern archipelago of Japan, to watch the total solar eclipse. Unfortunately, due to cloudy weather, I was unable to see or film my first eclipse. However, despite the clouds and rain, I journeyed deep into the ancient forests of the island to see the famous Yaku-sugi, (giant cedar) and the gaze upon the landscape which inspire scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s film, Mononoke-hime (Princess Mononoke).
The island has no large predators, hunting has been forbidden for several decades, and the visitors to the island come with a deep respect for nature. Thus the animals have little fear of humans and wander through the deep forests with relative comfort and tranquility.
Music composed by Only Music. Davy Bergier “Flooting” . Published by Only Music. © 2008 onlymusic.fr
Filmed in HD with a Canon HF-S10
UPDATE: The video has been re-uploaded with new color correction.
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Bathysphere Video Installation @ Mariana Tokyo
Oct 26th
Mariana is THE deep techno music event in Tokyo.
On August 15, 1934, Barton and Beebe made a world record descent to a depth of 3,028 feet (923 m), the record remaining unbroken for 15 years.[2]
What Beebe saw on that trip—and reported with such vividness—was a glowing world of creatures so astonishing that for decades many doubted his veracity. The clear sea stretched endlessly, and was so full of luminescence that it sparkled like the night sky. Cavalcades of black shrimps, transparent eels, and bizarre fish approached the descending sphere, and when Beebe used his spotlight to see them, great shadows and shifting patches of light hovered just out of view, leading him to postulate the existence of giants in the Bermudan depths. And below the bathysphere? There, said Beebe, lay a world that “looked like the black pit-mouth of hell itself.”
Hfour collaborated with Mariana’s key organizer to create an ambient ‘back wall’ video installation showcasing found footage of deep sea life and exploration.
Visit mariana-jp.com/ for information about upcoming events.
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.
Tokyo Women’s Bunka University Fashion Show
Jul 7th
Hfour produced the video for the annual Tokyo Women’s Cultural University fashion show which was held on June 6th 2009 on the Kokubunji campus. The full edit is just over an hour long and is unavailable for public release. This version is approximately twenty minutes shorter but still contains the show in its entirety.
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’.
Whisky Live! 2009
Mar 6th
Hfour worked with Whisky Magazine to help produce the visual content above the stage during the ninth annual Whisky Live! in Tokyo at Big Sight. The event was a success, with over 5000 people coming to sample some whiskies, learn more about the drink and to watch a lively stage show.
Yoga Video
Mar 2nd
Yoga teacher-in-training Geneva worked with Hfour to create an artistic view of yoga in a public space. As the pose is held, the people who represent the stresses of the city seem to fade away, creating a metaphor for the psychological benefits of yoga. The music is used with permission, created by Younger Brother. Further news about this video will be available spring-summer 2009.