Seeking the animation artist in a multi-projection environment
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Author(s)
Spark, Andi
Honari, Leila
Year published
2015
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Show full item recordAbstract
Animation’s linear narrative paradigm screened on
rectangular flat surfaces remains paramount in mainstream
commercial viewing modes, however the affordances of
current technology present alternate opportunities for
engaging with animated content.
Viewing works displayed on non-flat surfaces in large-scale
environments is becoming commonplace. While many
works include elements of narrative, or aspects of visual
playfulness and optical whimsy, they do not manage to
combine both of these facets into a singular immersive
visually engaging storytelling experience.
This paper discusses the development of a 360-degree
projection ...
View more >Animation’s linear narrative paradigm screened on rectangular flat surfaces remains paramount in mainstream commercial viewing modes, however the affordances of current technology present alternate opportunities for engaging with animated content. Viewing works displayed on non-flat surfaces in large-scale environments is becoming commonplace. While many works include elements of narrative, or aspects of visual playfulness and optical whimsy, they do not manage to combine both of these facets into a singular immersive visually engaging storytelling experience. This paper discusses the development of a 360-degree projection installation in a cylindrical space of looped figurative and pattern-based animation sequences that narrate elements of a short story based on Attar’s The Conference of The Birds. Referencing optical toys like the zoetrope and praxinoscope from an early pre-cinema era, the artists’ challenge is to develop a methodology that combines the technical and aesthetic qualities of simple looping animation sequences that both intertwine and interplay in a visual and narrative way, in a seamless immersive gallery style environment. The investigation looks at the physical science of projection, including the technical specifications, timings and layering required to create a continuous image. It also poses questions of audience engagement and appeal beyond the novelty factor, analyzing a number of recent works in this genre. What are the requisite elements of narrative, visual perspective, timing and pacing and levels of detail for an effective multi projection work? Some answers include a requirement for technical seamlessness, clarity in colour depth, repetition and simultaneity and the presence of narrative artifacts.
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View more >Animation’s linear narrative paradigm screened on rectangular flat surfaces remains paramount in mainstream commercial viewing modes, however the affordances of current technology present alternate opportunities for engaging with animated content. Viewing works displayed on non-flat surfaces in large-scale environments is becoming commonplace. While many works include elements of narrative, or aspects of visual playfulness and optical whimsy, they do not manage to combine both of these facets into a singular immersive visually engaging storytelling experience. This paper discusses the development of a 360-degree projection installation in a cylindrical space of looped figurative and pattern-based animation sequences that narrate elements of a short story based on Attar’s The Conference of The Birds. Referencing optical toys like the zoetrope and praxinoscope from an early pre-cinema era, the artists’ challenge is to develop a methodology that combines the technical and aesthetic qualities of simple looping animation sequences that both intertwine and interplay in a visual and narrative way, in a seamless immersive gallery style environment. The investigation looks at the physical science of projection, including the technical specifications, timings and layering required to create a continuous image. It also poses questions of audience engagement and appeal beyond the novelty factor, analyzing a number of recent works in this genre. What are the requisite elements of narrative, visual perspective, timing and pacing and levels of detail for an effective multi projection work? Some answers include a requirement for technical seamlessness, clarity in colour depth, repetition and simultaneity and the presence of narrative artifacts.
View less >
Conference Title
Conference Proceedings of CreateWorld 2015: A Digital Arts Conference
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Copyright Statement
© 2015 Apple University Consortium (AUC). The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the conference's website for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Interactive Media