The Artist Explains: Beatific - 'Perpetual Contemplation Of An Infinite Glory'
Beatific talks to us about his visuals for ‘Perpetual Contemplation Of An Infinite Glory’ which is about trauma, both inter-and intra-generational, and how we cope as humans, including reference to Hitler and the Holocaust.
Where was the video for ‘Perpetual Contemplation of an Infinite Glory’ filmed?
Video was filmed in Montara State Beach, PCH Hwy 1 in NorCal, and the streets of North Beach, San Francisco and Swell Music + Sound Studios in Jackson Square, San Francisco.
How does the video connect with the song?
’Perpetual Contemplation of an Infinite Glory’ is about trauma, both inter-and intra-generational, and how we cope as humans. Motoman is our shadow self, hunting us, stalking us. He multiplies, as trauma does, manifesting in increasing scenarios and experiences as life goes on. There is a liberation from this with the experience of Beatific music, and the angels that lie therein. Our character Lydia is an anthropomorphic representation of drugs, and how they fit into the picture.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you could share with us?
Chasing a Tesla on a Ducati was fun! Also the beach was warm glassy perfection that day and I was incredibly jealous of the surfers. Working with the actors Mike and Roxane was an incredible experience, as well as with the crew from Mars Luggage. Big ups!
Can you tell us about the themes/ideas/imagery used?
The song plays simultaneously in multiple spaces, reminding us of the rise of Hitler through his historic Rise To Power speech, themes of addiction, the mundaneness of the daily grind, the human condition and mortal coil, coping mechanisms and tools for a damaged childhood, and... the glory of a California sunset.
Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
The video conveys that there can be a salvation from the bitter past and events that we could not control as children. Even though they come back and h(a)unt us, we can find freedom through music, and esoterically in the words of Victor Frankel, "a man who has nothing left in this world still may know bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved”.
Interview by Karla Harris