A Japanese Dream (video stills)

A Japanese Dream is a static single camera, single take frantic seven minute make-over by Jane of Iain into Robert Smith from the The Cure, all played out to happen in time it takes to play the extended remix version of the Cure song Why Can't I Be You, which recorded as the work's soundtrack as it is playing on a record player in the same room.

Both this work, Why Can't I Be You? and Nocturne all have auto-biographical elements echoing Iain's youth as a fan of The Cure. This video work subverts the lanuguage of home-video making and make-over/transformation television shows. It also pulls into sharp focus the wider implications of what it means to idolise and to admire to the point of pointless imitation.

 

A Japanese Dream
Single channel VHS PAL with sound. 7 minutes looped (1997)

First exhibited in Double Life at The Waiting Room, Wolverhampton during November - December 1997

 

Where to now? ----------------------- Why Can't I Be You? Nocturne ----------------------- Double Life ----------------------- Pop Art in i-D Magazine ----------------------- About Blog Work -----------------------

 

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