It’s difficult to put into words the creative genius that spews from the mind of young artist, filmmaker, and musician Chris Cunningham. For most, Cunningham is known for his mind-bending (sometimes disturbing) music videos for the likes of Aphex Twin, Bjork, and Squarepusher in the ’90′s. As a teenager he’d already begun making an impact in the film industry as a sculptor and creature make up artist. Doing everything from production illustration, animatronics, and character design. While his music video contemporaries like Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry made the move to feature films, Cunningham went on to make a few commercials then went underground a bit to explore his infatuation with the fusion of art, film, music, and technology. This lead to a string of well regarded live audio-visual installments and performances around the world.
In the short self-directed documentary below presented by the folks at NOWNESS, Cunningham speaks about the progression of his career and introduces his latest work, “jaqapparatus 1.” The robotic performance-art installation was unveiled recently at the Audi City London concept store. It features two motion-controlled camera rigs with intensely powerful lasers mounted on them. Through motion and sound, Cunningham guides them in a duel of sorts. Like you’d see in nature between two dominant males battling for mating privileges with their queen. Brilliant stuff.
Photo: James D. Kelly
