Synopsis

Rat Vs Possum's "Fat Monk" unfolds as a kaleidoscopic dance piece built from vivid color, theatrical movement, and playful visual symmetry. Vocalist Daphne Shum moves between two contrasting environments: choreography inspired by synchronized swimming and a stylized high school science laboratory. Metallic costumes, sculptural sets, projected imagery, and tightly arranged group performances make the clip feel like a live art experiment filtered through synth-pop energy. The separate worlds gradually connect through Shum, whose presence gives the video a central human focus amid the constantly shifting visual patterns.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was produced as part of a three-week RMIT University summer school project involving students from architecture, fashion, media, and interior design.

• Around 20 RMIT students participated as performers, production assistants, or other members of the creative team, turning the music video into a hands-on educational production.

• Video artist Kit Webster created projected imagery that was reintroduced into the sets, producing the layered, feedback-like visuals seen throughout the clip.

• The production received support from VESKI, the Victorian Endowment for Science, Knowledge and Innovation, as well as RMIT facilities and staff.

• The credited choreography combines the work of Bobilee Shahine and the video's creative team, with dancers including Natalie Shahine, Kristiarne Anthony, Kathleen Skipp, and Maggie Bradley.

• The work was cataloged by the National Gallery of Victoria as a 2011 color digital video running approximately 3 minutes and 9 seconds in a looped presentation.

• "Fat Monk" appeared on the voting list for the 2011 Triple J Hottest 100, connecting the experimental clip and Rat Vs Possum's synth-pop single with one of Australia's most prominent annual listener polls.