Michèle Cuvelier: Liquify with Rosalía Yoga Flow
- What: *Lux*, a 33-minute experimental film directed by Rosalía, blending music, dance, poetry, and visual art.
- Where: Premiered at the Venice Film Festival and afterward released on YouTube.
- When: Premiered September 4, 2023, with widespread discussion following its release.
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Rosalía’s *lux*: A Deep Dive into Her Experimental film and Musical Journey
What is *Lux*? A Fusion of Art Forms
Rosalía’s *Lux* is not a customary music video or concert film. It’s a 33-minute exploration of her artistic identity, weaving together elements of flamenco, electronic music, poetry (specifically, works by Federico garcía Lorca), and contemporary dance.the film features performances of songs from her critically acclaimed album, *Motomami*, but recontextualizes them within a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative. It’s a deeply personal work, offering viewers a glimpse into Rosalía’s creative process and inner world.
The Critical Reception: A Five-Star Triumph
*Lux* has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Dancing Beren awarded the film a perfect five-star rating, describing it as “the film of life.” Reviewers consistently praise Rosalía’s bold artistic vision, the film’s innovative use of visual and sonic elements, and its emotional depth. Michèle Cuvelier, writing for Le Soir, playfully suggests the film encourages a unique form of self-discovery, “Liquify with Rosalía on the yoga mat, sí, sí, sí!” The film’s success highlights Rosalía’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and create truly original work.
The film’s experimental nature has also sparked discussion about its accessibility. Some viewers may find its abstract imagery and non-linear narrative challenging, but the majority appreciate its artistic ambition and willingness to push boundaries.
Key Themes and Influences
Federico García Lorca and Spanish Poetry
The influence of Federico García Lorca, a celebrated Spanish poet and playwright, is central to *Lux*. Rosalía incorporates excerpts from Lorca’s poetry throughout the film, adding layers of meaning and cultural context. Lorca’s work often explores themes of passion, loss, and the complexities of Spanish identity – themes that resonate deeply with Rosalía’s own artistic concerns.
Flamenco and *Motomami*
While *Motomami* already represented a significant departure from traditional flamenco, *Lux* further deconstructs and reimagines the genre. The film features fragmented flamenco movements,blended with contemporary dance styles,creating a unique visual language. The songs from *Motomami* are not simply performed; thay are reinterpreted and integrated into the film’s overall narrative.
Visual Art and Symbolism
*Lux* is rich in visual symbolism. The film employs striking imagery, including water, light, and shadow, to evoke specific emotions and ideas. The use of color is also significant, with certain hues representing different states of mind or cultural references. The film’s aesthetic draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including Spanish art, contemporary fashion, and digital media.
A Timeline of Rosalía’s Artistic Evolution
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Release of *Los Ángeles* – Breakthrough album blending flamenco with pop. |
