RIP NAGI NODA (1973-2008)
One of my favourite artists died last sunday. Sadness.
Regular visitors to KNOTORYUS will be no stranger to the name Nagi Noda. Her quirky, smart and off-the-wall artwork has always been a source of inspiration to me.
So it was with great sadness I have learned that Nagi Noda died on the operating table after “surgical complications” last sunday. She was wearing “a Mark Ryden dress, Chanel boots, and Viktor and Rolf black lace eyelashes” at the time.
Aaron Stewart-Ahn of Giant Robot published this moving anecdote:
“I was lucky enough to have met Nagi. It was one of the more interesting evenings in my life. What was supposed to be a short chat over coffee turned into an up til 3am ramble on just about everything. One time meeting a person is never enough, but she was extremely endearing.
Nagi exuded and lived art, as it was something to be lived. It made me feel like an amateur – so connected was her feeling about life invested in what she wanted to do. (…)
The drawing above was something she put down on the napkin in front of me – she told me it was the secret to the universe, but I shouldn’t tell anyone. I think it’s ok now. She said most of us look out at the world, but if you close your eyes and look up, you’re looking at the universe through your mind, looking at the universe.
She struck me as free spirited, eccentric, and beneath it all incredibly strong. In one evening in her company she affected me greatly. I miss her.”
KNOTORYUS misses her, too.
Nagi Noda gained noteriety as a video artist, producing videos for Tiga and commercials for Coca-Cola, a.o. But aside from that she was a respected gallery artist, producing bizarre stuffed toys and fake poodle fitness videos.
Here’s the first Nagi Noda video I ever saw: Yuki’s “Sentimental Journey”.
More videos:
(Music by Jack White)
The last video she ever did:
In 2008, she became an instant internet celebrity when she created a much-blogged series of ‘hair hats’ for Miu Miu.
The statement from Partizan:
“I wanted to let you know that our dear friend Nagi passed away this Sunday at 4:18 pm. Her passing was peaceful and she was with her friends and family until the end. The funeral was on Tuesday.
In keeping with Japanese tradition, we ask that people to light some incense or a candle for Nagi.
I know this news must come as quite a shock. I still don’t quite know how to deal with it, I am pretty devastated as she was a good friend and one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. I can tell you that she went well. She was dressed in her Mark Ryden Dress, Chanel boots, perfect make up, Viktor and Rolf black lace eyelashes.” – Daniell Hinde, Partizan
