Description
Photographer: Kevin Westenberg
Image details: Los Angeles. Video: ‘The Perfect Drug’. December 10, 1996.
Unseen For 30 Years. Fire and Innovation were the norm during my 10 years on and off photographing Nine Inch Nails (1991-2000) Every new album project or move on Trent’s part during those years seem to bring an overwhelming excitement, just to be a part of the whole era was revelatory. In hindsight looking back, I still am amazed at what I witnessed first hand. Trent was always first with the ideas within the framework of their chosen genre. He also implemented many new characters into the mix and interchanged numerous band members with ease. Watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame public interview readily available on YouTube for an insight; it’s fascinating as many of the former band members are all on stage reminiscing. Meanwhile, one of many highlights was being on set for the video shooting of ‘The Perfect Drug’ video in Los Angeles directed by Mark Romanek. The visual theme of music video is heavily steeped in Victorian-era gothic aesthetics combined with surreal, industrial, and absinthe-influenced imagery.
Set in a dark, opulent, and decaying mansion, evoking a 19th-century gothic atmosphere.
The architecture, costumes, and props (like top hats, frock coats, and antique furniture) draw heavily from Victorian mourning culture and decadence. In other words, the perfect photographers setting. Tatiana Fajardo in an online essay, provides other great reference points: The powerful imagery of the storyline echoes two American authors who will be studied: writer and artist Edward Gorey (1925-2000) whose ‘‘The Hapless Child’’ (1961) and his abecedarian books ‘‘The Gashlycrumb Tinies’’ (1963) and ‘‘The Chinese Obelisks: Fourth Alphabet’’ (1970) will be considered, and central figure of Gothic literature Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849).
Archival Fine Art Pigment Print
Da Vinci Fibre Gloss Silk 310gsm Cotton Rag Paper
Available editions:
- 16x20" Edition of 25
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- 24x30" Edition of 10
- 30 x 40" Edition of 10
- 60 x 40" Edition of 3
