“Nxde” by (G)I-DLE is a bold and proactive music video that explores female identity, and challenges societal norms and expectations. The video employs feminist glitch aesthetics to subvert male gaze and challenge objectification of women.

Benson-Allott’s work on feminist spectacle and glitch aesthetics provides a lens to analyze Nxde’s visual language. Artists have recognized the potential of this electronic disruption to interrupt the male gaze and the traditional objectification of the female body. When these “glitches” or “errors” occur consecutively they create opportunities for critical thought on the illusions of mainstream media. Unlike other music videos, here by “glitch” for me it goes beyond the mere concept of being used as a video effect. The theme, sarcastic lyrics and, hyper-stylized imagery, all embody the “glitch” or “error” as a feminist intervention.

The use of glitch can also be seen as a metaphor for embracing imperfection and celebrating individuality, which is the primary theme of Nxde by (G)I-DLE. Throughout the video, the group uses visual metaphors and references to pop culture icons to challenge the pervasive society’s gaze on women.

In the video we see Minnie dressed in pink, surrounded by men holding large red hearts – paying homage to Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. Through this reference (G)I-DLE made a strong statement on how historically women have been defined by their physical appeal, rather than their intelligence or talents, focusing on Monroe’s example, who was often reduced to being a pretty face.

The objectification of women is further explored in the second half of the video, where several members are depicted as art pieces, highlighting how society reduces women to be seen as images that “sell.”

Towards the end of the music video we see an artwork being shredded. It’s a homage to Banksy, who had intentionally build her piece “Girl with Balloon” with a shredder inside, so if it was ever auctioned, this exact scenario would happen. This act in the video coupled with the voyeuristic gaze signifies how society views nudity as a “luxury” that is often sexualized and objectified. The video is rich with further references to Marilyn Monroe and Banksy, such as the newspaper clippings that flash by, each depicting stereotypical labels often placed on women.

Throughout the video, another key stylistic choice is the frequent use of mirrors, which, serve as a visual representation of how (G)I-DLE wants to present their authentic selves to the world.

References

The message, cinematics, and Emotional Impact of “NXDE” by (G)I-DLE – Page 2 – The Narrative Transformation Lab (no date). https://tntlab.carterschool.gmu.edu/discover/rabbit-holes/the-message-cinematics-and-emotional-impact-of-nxde-by-gi-dle/2/.

(G)I-DLE (여자)아이들 (Official YouTube Channel) (2022) (여자)아이들((G)I-DLE) – ‘NXDE’ Official Music Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCO7f0SmrDc.

Benson-Allott, C. (2013) ‘Going Gaga for glitch,’ The Oxford Handbook of Sound and Image in Digital Media, pp. 126–139. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199757640.013.003.

Image source – https://tntlab.carterschool.gmu.edu/discover/rabbit-holes/the-message-cinematics-and-emotional-impact-of-nxde-by-gi-dle/2/

Annie Antony – 33845269