What’s the story behind ºıı˙∞˚ ‡^˚ ’^^˚ ?

I was approached to do a video for The Acid, and in the process I decided to turn it into more of a collaboration project with several artists involved, using both new work specific for this project as well as some previous work of theirs that is mashed up and integrated into the universe of the video. It’s been a very metamorpic and open-minded project, which will also be reflected in how it’s now presented to the audience.

What does the name refer to?

It’s the code to a higher state of mind.

There were many creative forces joined together in the production: The Acid, Henrik Vibskov, Anna Natalia Siemonsen, Benjamin Goss. Can you tell us more about your collaboration?

I had just finished another project with Henrik Vibskov, featuring one of his runway collections, and was very curious to see how he would interpret my ideas if we did original design on the next project.

I went down to his workshop in Copenhagen, a busy laboratory full of Team Vibs-collaborators in white lab coats, and we had a crash brain storm, listened to The Acid and looked at patterns and style references. The drawings and mock-ups he started to send shortly after really blew me away, they were probably something completely else than I first had in mind, but perfect for the world I had envisioned. At the same time I wasn’t surprised the least, he’s a creative genius.

p>Production designer Anna Natalia Siemonsen, still photographer Benjamin Goss as well as Czech cinematographer Martin Matiasek, that shot ºıı˙∞˚ ‡^˚ ’^^˚, are long-time collaborators and close friends.

We share an artistic understanding and dedication in the higher purpose and creative stimulation of working on a project together. They are unique talents that I trust 100% and I know they will always bring their best to our collaboration.

You have worked with a lot of music videos before this one, with artists such as Jenny Wilson, Little Dragon and Trentemøller. What made this production different?

This time I’ve employed many more people in all departments due to the scale of the production. Several of my previous video projects have been made with smaller units, so that’s one big difference. Concept-wise there are also a lot of different design elements, materials and techniques going on and working together on the screen, which I really enjoy, and finally – the aspect of creating an exhibition out of it all.

The video will be screened at Appartamento by Peroni in Stockholm this week. What can you tell us about the evening?

On May 21st, the final evening of the Appartamento series and also the premiere of the video work ºıı˙∞˚ ‡^˚ ’^^˚, the guests will step into a world where light, sound, set design, video and performance form a dark and mystic whole. Gradually the evening will morph into a closing party where I together with DJ Kablam, VJ Videoselector and bartenders from pristine cocktail bar Linje Tio / Tjoget will cleanse your minds.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

A lot comes from listening to music and taking walks or jogging, usually a combination of both, especially if I do it spontaneously. I find a lot of inspiration in photography, stills and in film scenes, down to details in how light hits and creates a certain surface or how some specific colour palette can appear in some images. Light and colours are extremely important and inspiring to me.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to an artist retreat at Ingmar Bergman’s estates on the island of Fårö this summer to write on new projects, hang out in his VHS-library and maybe face some of his demons.

But first I plan to do some work in London!

Credits:

Photography by Benjamin Goss

Appartamento by Peroni, 19-21 May at Konstnärshuset, Stockholm