Sasha Kasiuha: A Creative Journey with Madonna, BlackPink, and Tom Ford

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_{Sasha Kasiuha is a multidisciplinary artist and director, known for his work with Madonna, BlackPink, and Tom Ford. He was a key creative behind Madonna's Celebration Tour and directed the VMA-nominated film "Madame X". Kasiuha's collaborative spirit and innovative approach make him stand out. His work explores new technologies and narratives, showcased through various mediums like film and photography.}

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Sasha Kasiuha, a renowned multidisciplinary artist and director celebrated for his collaborations with Madonna, BlackPink, and Tom Ford, joins us today. Sasha, it's a pleasure to have you here. Let's dive into your extraordinary journey.

_{From a young age, I've been captivated by music videos, pop culture, and avant-garde artists, shaping my taste and fueling my desire to pursue a career in the creative realm. However, it wasn't until one person believed in me and my vision that my career truly began.}

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Delve into your first encounter with Madonna. What were your initial impressions of her, and how did your collaboration unfold?

_{When we first met, I remember being weary from a long flight rather than nervous. During dinner with the team, Madonna discussed the Madame X footage and stressed the daunting task ahead. In response, I conveyed my enthusiasm for tackling challenges head-on, which I believe she appreciated.}

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With Madonna, you've had many collaborations and joint projects. Can you illuminate some of the standout moments?

_{One of the most remarkable moments of my collaboration with Madonna was during the filming of the MTV VMA's 40th preroll. Our task was to create a 60-second film depicting Madonna's iconic journey to New York City with just 35 dollars and a dream. Shooting overnight in Times Square added an extra layer of intensity to the experience. To ensure a safe and uninterrupted shoot, we had to close several streets, including Times Square itself, allowing Madonna to walk amidst billboards, creating a truly unforgettable scene.}

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Take us behind the scenes of the creation of MADAME X. Were there any challenges faced, and did you successfully bring your envisioned ideas to fruition?

_{Diving into the journey with Madame X was truly exhilarating, marking the outset of my collaboration with Madonna. In our initial editing sessions, I forged a seamless connection between live show performances and music videos from the Madame X era. We scoured through Madonna's remarkable legacy to uncover incredible footage, enriching her film with historical depth and resonance. This innovative approach defined our entire process, as we skillfully incorporated archival footage to weave a narrative that authentically captured the essence of Madame X.}

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Reflect on the project that fills you with the most pride. Tell us about it.

_{The project I'm most proud of is undoubtedly the AIDS Memorial piece created for Madonna's Celebration Tour. Its significance lies in its poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on communities in New York City and worldwide. While modern medicine has provided treatments to manage the disease, it's crucial to remember that approximately 650,000 children still live with HIV/AIDS, and about 1000 infants are born infected every day in Africa. This piece serves as a powerful tribute to those affected and underscores the ongoing importance of awareness and action in combating this global health crisis.}

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Please, unveil the underlying meanings embedded within the projects crafted for Tom Ford.

_{My first project with Tom Ford marked an intriguing creative endeavor. Tasked with producing a video for projection onto the iconic Helmsley Building during New York Fashion Week, I embarked on an unconventional path. Employing scanography techniques for imagery creation and AI interpolation tools for video production, I delved into uncharted territory. This project likely stood as one of the pioneering instances of AI-driven videos by a major fashion brand, showcased vividly on the streets of New York. The underlying aim was to challenge the conventional boundaries of creativity and push the envelope of innovation.}

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Your innovative use of AI in your work is intriguing. Could you walk us through the process?

_{I've always kept a keen eye on emerging technologies and tools, especially as AI became more user-friendly and accessible. Incorporating these innovations into my regular workflow has been a game-changer. The advent of new AI tools continues to intrigue me, as they elevate the boundaries of creativity to new heights. It's not every day that significant creative tools emerge and become widely accessible, which is truly exciting. My creative process varies from project to project, shaped by the initial ideas I aim to bring to life.}

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Share insights into your role as a sound producer in your projects.

_{Collaborating on an NFT project with Beeple and Madonna was a departure from my usual work, yet it ignited a genuine sense of excitement within me. My task was to craft a sound and music foundation for the triptych videos from Madonna’s 'Mother of Creation' series. During this process, while working on 'Mother of Technology,' I stumbled upon a long-forgotten recording from the Love Poems of Rumi. Madonna's narration of a Bittersweet poem within it was a moment that deeply resonated with me, sparking my admiration for Rumi's poetry.}

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What current projects are you immersed in, and what are your creative aspirations for the next years?

_{While I'm consistently involved in captivating projects, I prioritize carving out time for my personal passion ventures. My commitment lies in spearheading the integration of new technologies, creativity, and spirituality, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Currently, I'm deeply engaged in launching my new divination app startup, which embodies this dedication to pioneering advancements.}

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Thank you, Sasha, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It's been truly inspiring.

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