Synopsis

Gotye and Kimbra perform against a painted backdrop that gradually extends across their bodies, making them appear to merge with the artwork. As the song moves through its breakup narrative, their relationship is represented through changing proximity and visual separation. Gotye begins partially concealed within the mural, while Kimbra emerges from the same pattern before moving away from him. By the end, the painted image has become a visual record of intimacy, resentment, and emotional detachment.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video's signature look came from body-painting artist Emma Hack, whose work blends painted bodies with detailed wall compositions.

• Gotye and Kimbra were painted to match a mural created specifically for the production. The gradual reveal required them to remain extremely still for extended periods.

• The imagery was designed as a visual homage to the work of Australian artist Howard Arkley, whose brightly patterned suburban interiors influenced the backdrop.

• The video uses a largely fixed camera and a restrained performance style. This keeps attention on the transformation of the bodies and the changing relationship between the two singers.

• Kimbra's appearance was filmed separately from Gotye's performance, then combined through editing to create the impression that both performers occupy the same continuous painted space.

• The production helped turn the song's breakup theme into an immediately recognizable visual motif and became one of the most widely discussed music videos of the early 2010s.