Clara Spilliaert

Based on the 1990 experimental novel by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto, Lisa Spilliaert’s feature debut N.P is a translation of the text into a "silent" cinematic scenario. Translation itself is at the heart of N.P’s narrative, which details the absurdities of protagonist Kazami’s attempts to translate the short stories of fictional author Sarao Takase-- as well as her sometimes disturbing interactions with the late author’s children. The previous three translators of Takase’s writing committed suicide in mysterious circumstances and Kazami’s encounters with his daughter (and lover) Sui increasingly pull her into a world of darkly chaotic energy.

This first video work in collaboration with my sister Lisa Spilliaert is about a double transition. On the one hand, the cultural reorientation from Japan to Belgium and, on the other hand, the transition from child to adolescent, with reference to the advent of sexual awareness. The emotional intencity of leaving a certain place or state is transcended by the ritual gestures of singing, cutting and burning.