On the 16th, French champagne brand Dom Pérignon unveiled a video work created in collaboration with contemporary artist Akira Yamaguchi and animation studio Gainax, known for works such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion," at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium.
This work is part of "Dom Pérignon The Power of Creation," a collaborative project between Dom Pérignon and creators. The brand has previously collaborated with artists such as Marc Newson and David Lynch.
For this project, Gainax used the latest technology, Xsens MVN, to turn Yamaguchi's paintings, which were created using traditional Japanese techniques, into a 12-minute video work. The work was projected on a circular screen like a kaleidoscope. The video, which features Yamaguchi's past and new works, also features him painting landscapes of Hautvillers, the birthplace of Dom Pérignon, as well as Yoshihiro Fujita of the contemporary dance group "Condors."
The presentation was also attended by Akira Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Yamaga, CEO and director of Gainax, and Richard Geoffroy, Chief Winemaker of Dom Pérignon. "I found a theme in the taste of Dom Pérignon, and was able to naturally begin creating the film. I wanted to film the experience I had at the Abbey of Hautvillers, which I visited with Yamaguchi in February. With Yamaguchi and his work as the main characters, the keyword is "Intensity," a word that Geoffroy taught me. This image is entrusted to the old cherry blossom tree," said Yamaguchi, smiling as he greeted the audience, "I discovered DAICON FILM (the parent company of Gainax) when I was in high school, and have continued to watch their works ever since, so I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Yamaga." "Dom Pérignon has opposing elements—power, complexity, and delicacy—yet maintains a balance. I wanted to express this balance, like a gradual, permeating happiness, in my work. The circular screen rotates the images, creating a feeling of intoxication. I want viewers to approach the work comfortably, without overthinking or underthinking," he said.
Geoffroy also said, "I strongly felt the potential for new expression in the creativity of Yamaguchi and Yamaga, two of Japan's top creators, so I asked them to collaborate. Each champagne is unique, and brewing is the process of breaking down what has come before to create something new. I think our commonality as three people is our willingness to take risks."
The work will also be available on YouTube. It will also be exhibited at the select shop "RESTIR" at Tokyo Midtown from the 26th to the 28th of the same month. Admission is free.
