behind the wall

Basquiat, despite the fervor of his genius, carried within him a subtle melancholy and profound timidity, concealed behind the brilliance of his palette.

His melancholy, woven into the fabric of his canvases, where the contrasts of urban life, the struggle against injustice, and questions of identity converged. The dark hues of his paintings evoke an introspection tinged with sadness, a descent into the abyss of his soul.

As for his timidity, despite the growth of his fame, he often remained in the background, avoiding the spotlight. With a deep reserve, he preferred to let his works speak for themselves rather than pouring out his feelings.

His paintings, though animated by a frenetic energy, bear the subtle imprint of this timidity. The faces of his characters, often depicted with melancholic gazes and traits imbued with fragility, reveal an artist who prefers illustration over verbalization.

In the intimacy of his studio, Basquiat engaged in a dance between melancholy and unbridled creativity. Vibrant colors could mask, but not entirely conceal, the complexity of his inner being. Each brushstroke became an attempt to translate the inexpressible, a way of giving form to the melancholy resonating within him.

Basquiat’s timidity did not restrain him but added a layer of depth to his personality. He navigated through the tumult of the artistic world with a conscious reserve, allowing his canvases to act as open windows into his inner world, a realm where melancholy and timidity intertwined to create a unique emotional symphony. So, be well, and from your lacks, make them the needs of others !

gorillaz : “on melancholy hill”

Gorillaz, the world’s most famous virtual band, is a creation that has transcended the boundaries between music, visual art, and pop culture. Formed in 1998 by Damon Albarn, the lead singer of Blur, and Jamie Hewlett, the co-creator of the comic Tank Girl, Gorillaz represents a bold experimentation in the world of music. By blending diverse musical genres—from rock to electronic, hip-hop to dub—the band has redefined what it means to be a “band” in the digital age. Their identity, rooted both in animation and in eclectic, avant-garde music, has made them a global cultural icon.

The idea for Gorillaz emerged in the late ’90s, at a time when Damon Albarn was seeking to move away from Blur’s Britpop sound to explore new musical horizons. Meanwhile, Jamie Hewlett, known for his work as a cartoonist, was also in search of something different. Together, they envisioned Gorillaz as a completely virtual band with animated characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and visual aesthetic.

The fictional members of the band—2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—quickly became iconic figures. 2D, the soft-voiced singer, embodies a certain innocence; Murdoc, the devilish bassist, is the mastermind behind the group; Noodle, the enigmatic Japanese guitarist, adds a mysterious and martial edge; and Russel, the drummer, is haunted by the spirits of his deceased friends. This diverse cast of characters allows Gorillaz to explore a vast range of themes and sounds.

In 2000, Gorillaz released their first single, “Clint Eastwood,” which became an instant global hit. With its blend of reggae, dub, and rap, the track immediately defined the band’s unique sound. The fully animated music video made a lasting impression and set the stage for Gorillaz’s visual and musical identity.

The band’s self-titled debut album came out in 2001 and was met with enthusiasm from both the public and critics. The album, an eclectic mix of genres, showcased Damon Albarn’s ability to merge different musical styles into a cohesive work. Tracks like “19-2000” and “Rock the House” captured attention with their sonic innovation and spectacular animated videos.

The success of this album propelled Gorillaz onto the international stage, and the virtual band became a cultural phenomenon. Their visual aesthetic, combined with their innovative music, attracted a diverse audience ranging from alternative music fans to hip-hop enthusiasts and animation aficionados.

In 2002, Gorillaz released G-Sides, a compilation of B-sides and remixes, which confirmed the richness of their musical universe. The band was praised for pushing the boundaries of what a music group could be, merging digital art and music like never before.

In 2005, Gorillaz returned with their second studio album, Demon Days, an even more ambitious project than its predecessor. This album is a dark and complex exploration of themes like apocalypse, solitude, and redemption, wrapped in a brilliant production by Danger Mouse. Demon Days received enthusiastic critical acclaim and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Singles like “Feel Good Inc.,” “DARE,” and “Dirty Harry” became global hits, supported by innovative videos that continued to develop the band’s visual universe. “Feel Good Inc.” won a Grammy Award, and the song, with its hypnotic bass riff and critique of consumerist culture, became an emblem of 2000s music.

Demon Days is not only a commercial success; it is a total work of art that combines music, video, and performance to create an immersive experience. Gorillaz continues to blur the lines between reality and fiction, using their virtual characters to explore contemporary themes while maintaining an air of mystery around the actual members of the band.

After a few years’ hiatus, Gorillaz made a notable return in 2010 with Plastic Beach, a concept album addressing themes of pollution, overconsumption, and environmental destruction. The album is a sharp critique of the modern world, wrapped in pop, electronic, and orchestral sounds. The album’s title refers to a plastic waste island floating in the ocean, a powerful metaphor for contemporary society’s excesses.

Plastic Beach features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, and Mick Jones of The Clash. Each track explores a different aspect of the dystopian universe of Plastic Beach, where artificial beauty masks a desperate reality.

The album is accompanied by videos and live performances that continue to explore the band’s unique visual aesthetic. Plastic Beach confirms Gorillaz’s position as a distinct band, capable of creating both artistic and engaged works while remaining accessible to a broad audience.

After a few years’ break, Gorillaz made a remarkable comeback in 2017 with Humanz, an album reflecting the uncertainty and chaos of the contemporary world, particularly in response to Donald Trump’s election and global political climate. Humanz is an ambitious album filled with collaborations from artists like Vince Staples, Grace Jones, and De La Soul. Gorillaz’s music, still eclectic, becomes a sonic mosaic that reflects the diversity and fragmentation of the modern world.

In 2018, Gorillaz released The Now Now, a more personal and introspective album where Damon Albarn took the reins and focused on simpler, more direct songs. This album marks a return to a more minimalist production while maintaining the exploratory spirit that defines the band.

In 2020, Gorillaz launched the Song Machine project, a series of singles and videos released throughout the year, later compiled into a full album. This project once again illustrates the band’s ability to evolve and adapt to new forms of music distribution. Song Machine is a celebration of artistic collaboration, featuring contributions from artists like Robert Smith of The Cure, St. Vincent, and Beck.

Gorillaz is not just a band; it is an artistic revolution, a project that has redefined what it means to be a musician in the digital age. By combining animation, music, and complex storytelling, Gorillaz has created a unique universe, where each album and video is a piece of a larger puzzle.

From “Clint Eastwood” to Song Machine, every step of their career has shown a willingness to push boundaries, surprise, and innovate. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have transformed Gorillaz into much more than just a virtual band; they have created a living, evolving work of art, infinitely rich. Gorillaz’s legacy is that of a collective of artists who continue to challenge conventions while offering profound reflections on our contemporary world.