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Jesse Kanda brings a new, terrifying dimension to synchronised dancing

Date
8 January 2015

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Self-taught artist Jesse Kanda makes dystopian, macabre films made up of distorted images of alien car crashes, dancing dead babies and everything in between. You’ll no doubt have seen his work on the brilliant and now ubiquitous cover for FKA Twigs’ LP1.

Having made films with producer and friend Arca, Jesse is led by a seemingly untamed childlike imagination and an interest in producing confrontational, humorous work that documents what is considered repulsive. Whilst collaboration seems to be key to his work, he maintains artistic independence throughout, creating film and digital drawings that are kind of terrifying and chock-full of butts.

Three humanoid figures stand against a black background, lit from the side. They are posed in distorted, crouching positions with their arms folded across their chests.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: TRAUMA Scene 1

Three distorted, fleshy figures with oversized heads and small limbs stand against a black background. They are lit from the side, creating deep shadows across their glossy, organic forms.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: TRAUMA Scene 1

Three surreal, distorted figures resembling infants are set against a black background. The figures have smooth, glossy surfaces and exaggerated features, with the one on the left showing a red glow around its face.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: TRAUMA Scene 1

Two abstract, pale figures appear to float against a black background. One figure reaches out with an open hand toward the other in a gesture of connection.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: TRAUMA Scene 1

A 3D render of a surreal, distorted figure floating against a black background. The pale, fluid form has an elongated limb and a red, fleshy area where a face would be.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: TRAUMA Scene 1

A 3D render of a figure seen from behind, standing against a black background. Their skin has a metallic, iridescent sheen in shades of green, blue and purple.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: Thievery

A 3D render of a metallic, iridescent figure seen from behind against a black background. The figure stands with their arms raised and hands entwined above their head.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: Thievery

A 3D render of a slender, teal-coloured figure posed against a black background. The figure is captured in a fluid, crouching position with their head tilted back.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: Thievery

A figure crouches in a dark space, their back to the camera and arms raised to their head. A single light source illuminates the curves of their body against the black background.
Above

Arca & Jesse Kanda: Thievery

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About the Author

Billie Muraben

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Billie studied illustration at Camberwell College of Art before completing an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art. She joined It’s Nice That as a Freelance Editorial Assistant back in January 2015 and continues to work with us on a freelance basis.

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