Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial (2025) is an absurdist short film inspired by the eerie videos of early YouTube, such as "There is Nothing" by David B Earle and the works of Shaye Saint John. Drawing on the raw aesthetics of these cryptic, nightmarish videos—characterized by their low-quality images and enigmatic atmosphere—the film explores questions of authenticity, escapism, and the blurred lines between amateurism and art. Through this approach, the film invites reflection on the ways images are constructed and consumed, while also critiquing the power dynamics embedded in visual media.
By embracing the chaotic, inexplicable nature of early internet culture, the film presents an alternative to the highly polished aesthetics of contemporary visual media.
