The Mystery of Aphex Twin’s ‘Windowlicker’ Album Cover (1999)

Welcome to the 108th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we attempt to uncover the origin of Aphex Twin’s ‘Windowlicker’ album cover.

Formally known as Richard James, Aphex Twin is a new wave, unclassified artist that pioneered a foreign sound throughout the 90’s. A prominent face in the underground rave scene, he would garner a cult-like following after his first release ‘Analogue Bubblebath’ in 1991, growing to populate a unique outlook in techno/ambient culture.

Approaching every project with a distinct sense of rebellion, masses were often attracted to James’ aptitude for creation. Aside from the music, he would frequently branch outwards to explore other artistic mediums, and collaborate to actualize his many distorted visions.

Within his portfolio of rather obtuse experiments lies the notorious ‘Windowlicker’ single, released on March 22nd, 1999. Coming in part with a 10 minute 33 second music video, the track highlights moans, groans and slippery visuals. Looking to hyper-sexual tropes or “eerie lounge-porn music” as depicted by Wikipedia, we’re invited to undertake a feeling of electronic lust.

Furthering Windowlicker’s erotic theme, the artwork, created by multidisciplinary artist and friend of Aphex Twin, Chris Cunningham, is equally unsettling. Depicting Richard James atop a large breasted swimsuit model, photoshop was used to create the harrowing and truly cursed imagery. His face is morphed to fit the woman’s body, sporting a large grin and gold earrings.

It’s no debate the album cover has reached unprecedented heights of infamy, but one question remains unanswered – who is the original model? Three years ago a photo of the anonymous woman was posted to r/AphexTwin on Reddit, sparking immense debate among die-hard fans. Some suggested the poster girl was Karen Blake Challman, a dancer in the video, but was quickly debunked after some research. Today, the woman remains unknown as speculation circles around her identity.