Neonflex Videoart

Klaipeda Sala / KKKC – Cultural Communication Center – Lithuania _ 2013

Neonflex is the second video art work by Bignotti, conceived as a sequel to Nova Spectrum, the artist’s first professional video. It not only shares an aesthetic imagery but also clearly reflects a poetic direction linked to the Aphexian audiovisual imagination, characterized by electronic music and the fast-paced, engaging format typical of music videos.

Like many of Bignotti’s works, Neonflex tends to critique societal issues, specifically focusing on the realm of communication, particularly television. As with many of his other projects, the author began working on the concept before the filming commenced. In fact, by 2006, the artist had started collecting abandoned televisions found on the street due to the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, transforming them into self-made special effects. This process of reclaiming material and creatively recycling it would later become a significant element in the artist’s creative process.

A short film by Cesare Bignotti Work commissioned by Klaipeda Sala / KKKC – Klaipeda Cultural Communication Center – Lithuania, Exhibition opening March 1, 2013. Art Curator: Neringa Bumblienė. The video was exhibited at: KKKC – Klaipeda Cultural Communication Center / Lithuania in 2013, Musil Museo del Lavoro / Brescia in 2014, Micheletti Award – Palazzo Martinengo / Brescia in 2015.

 

Since the advent of consumer society, people have begun to have more leisure time, and television has emerged as a window to the world. However, it has simultaneously become the eye and voice of Big Brother. Individuals seem to coexist within an increasingly artificial system, akin to intensive farming. The ether nourishes us, “advises” us, but ultimately dictates what to see, hear, how to think, and what to buy. Whereas television was once regarded as an educational medium, today it serves the exact opposite purpose. Under the pretense that people have the right to be entertained, we contribute daily to cultural erosion.

Directed and edited by Cesare Bignotti

Music by Useless Idea 
All props by Cesare Bignotti – Design assistant for the Polaroid helmet: Mauro Bignotti

Bass instrument by Cabotronium: a digitally controlled analog audio/video generator that operates independently of the performer, created by an Italian team comprising Emilio Pozzolini, Martino Sarolli, and Alessandro Quaranta.

Video Shoot by: Cesare Bignotti — Alessandro Arcidiacono — Roberto Rando

Actor: Cristiano Baricelli / Singer: Davide Colombino / Drummer: Patrick Simonetti / Bassist: Renato Gianni Campanini / Keyboardist: Valerio Visconti

Produced by Cesare Bignotti © EVES 2013 – Production Assistant: Giorgio Barroccu.