British electronic musician Ryan Lee West, known as Rival Consoles, recently released his latest single, “Soft Gradient Beckons,” accompanied by a visually captivating music video created by multidisciplinary artist Anthony Dickenson. The music video explores the boundaries between analog and digital processes, playing with perception and reality in a mesmerizing way.
Anthony Dickenson, whose work typically focuses on nature and portraiture, embarked on a nine-month experimental journey to bring the “Soft Gradient Beckons” music video to life. He meticulously hand-painted multiple long paper scrolls with black ink, creating a series of frames that were then animated through a process akin to a film projector. The result is a visually stunning and conceptually rich music video that challenges traditional notions of art and music collaboration.
In a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the music video, Dickenson reveals the painstaking process he undertook to create the intricate visuals. Using cameras attached to a drone and a skateboard, he captured detailed patterns and textures while also showcasing the overall arrangement of the paper scrolls on a warehouse floor. The video not only highlights the technical skill involved in the creation of the visuals but also delves into the emotional and artistic journey that Dickenson embarked on.
The inspiration for the video stemmed from a serendipitous “mistake” Dickenson made while experimenting with ink rollers for monoprints. He found that imperfections and textures left by the roller actually enhanced the animation process, leading him to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of his creativity. This emphasis on embracing mistakes and imperfections as part of the artistic process adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the music video.
Dickenson’s installation is a testament to the dedication and intricacy of the creative process, seamlessly blending art and music into a cohesive and immersive experience. The video not only showcases his technical prowess but also his willingness to explore new avenues and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
For more information on Anthony Dickenson’s work, visit his website. The “Soft Gradient Beckons” music video is a testament to the power of collaboration between music and art, creating a visual and emotional journey that captivates viewers and challenges perceptions of creativity and innovation.
