Mika Ninagawa’s anticipated second feature was released in Tokyo a week ago. Helter Skelter (ヘルタースケルター) explores fascinating themes of narcissism, modern day idolatry, the beauty industry and the commodification of ‘talent’. Fans of Ninagawa’s Sakuran won’t be disappointed as the movie’s visual styling is gorgeous and the director’s surreal, psychedelic directorial touches are in full flight.
Mika Ninagawa’s images are a kaleidoscopic explosion of color and shape that bring to mind early 20th Century art movements and Tokyo’s more excessive neon-lit cityscapes. The photographer/filmmaker is a media savvy, post-modern Matisse; she seamlessly traverses, in the style of Japanese creatives, the worlds of high art, pop culture and commerce to create striking works for photo exhibitions, magazine editorials, advertising campaigns, books and movie theaters. Her online presence extends to e-commerce, a blog and a dedicated mobile website.
Whatever the purpose of her images, she brings an auteur’s eye to her favorite motifs: flowers, exotic fish, cultural iconography and edgy, highly stylized pop portraits that borrow imagery and themes from – and inform – manga, the fashion industry, pop music and traditional theater.
All original images : : copyright Mika Ninagawa.
