Takeshi Murata’s work has always been a favorite of mine, and it seems like after last night’s screening at Deitch Projects here in NYC (with work by other video artists and animators like Ben Stone from Paper Rad and Adam Beckett) that he is venturing into new territory using old clips from Three’s Company and injecting some humor into his already visually stunning animations / videos.

I want to create new kinds space with my animation. I want to be able to transport the viewer is some way. I like to start with forms that are vaguely recognizable so there’s an initial point of reference. Then through the animation, I can shift the emphasis from form to movement. It’s at this point that I feel most expressive. I’m also inspired by psychedelic art and music because it reaches for something transcendental, but it’s also absurd and playful at the same time. I hope my animation is this way.

Check out his (somewhat outdated) website at takeshimurata.com, and an interview from SHIFT mag.