Michel Jaffrennou on video art and his unconventional approach to the medium

In a 1988 interview with artpress, French artist Michel Jaffrennou discussed his complex relationship with video as an artistic medium. Jaffrennou acknowledged using video tools in his practice but rejected traditional definitions of "video art." He expressed disinterest in conventional approaches to the medium, positioning himself outside established categories. The interview was published on December 1, 1988, as part of artpress's exploration of what defines a videographer. Jaffrennou described himself as a witness to the moment rather than a traditional video artist. His comments revealed tensions between technical medium and artistic identity in late 1980s French art discourse. The artist's ambivalent stance highlighted evolving definitions of video practice during this period. Jaffrennou's perspective challenged conventional understandings of video art's boundaries and purposes.