Joanna
Art Direction, Photography, Styling
mmmonika is an LA-based band whose mantra is "happy songs for sad people". The art direction for their music video, Joanna, was inspired by the first line of the song: “I don’t wanna be dead, Joanna”.
In order to depict death as a complex yet beautiful reality, the concept for the video was an uncanny funeral. Because much of their listeners are artists themselves, the cinematic and conceptual direction allows the band to better communicate with their audience.
Photography by me unless otherwise stated.
In order to depict death as a complex yet beautiful reality, the concept for the video was an uncanny funeral. Because much of their listeners are artists themselves, the cinematic and conceptual direction allows the band to better communicate with their audience.
Photography by me unless otherwise stated.
Photo by Alice Kang
Photo by Alice Kang
Photo by Erica Snyder
One of the paradoxes of death is that it is simultaneously seen as a rebirth, peace, or a new beginning. The styling plays off the juxtaposition by combining suit attire with delicate pieces such as pearls, lace masks, and silver jewelry to convey death as both crude and beautiful.
(Cannot disclose audio pre-release)
We collaborated with Analogue Motion, an analog film production team from New York, and scouted locations within Southern California. The desolate environment was inspired by the 1956 sci-fi film, Forbidden Planet.
We collaborated with Analogue Motion, an analog film production team from New York, and scouted locations within Southern California. The desolate environment was inspired by the 1956 sci-fi film, Forbidden Planet.
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HANNAH J. KIM © 2023