History of Animation

🎬History of Animation Unit 10 – Animation as Art: Exhibitions & Perspectives

Animation as art has evolved from early optical toys to a diverse medium spanning hand-drawn, stop-motion, and CGI techniques. Key concepts like frame rate, keyframes, and principles of animation bring characters to life, while influential artists and studios have shaped its development over time. Landmark exhibitions have recognized animation's artistic merit, showcasing its cultural impact and technical innovations. The medium continues to push boundaries, exploring new technologies like VR and AR, while addressing social issues and diverse perspectives through storytelling.

Key Animation Concepts

  • Animation as an art form involves creating the illusion of movement through a series of still images displayed in rapid succession
  • Key concepts include frame rate (number of images per second), keyframes (important poses that define a movement), and in-betweens (intermediate frames that create smooth transitions)
  • Principles of animation such as squash and stretch, anticipation, and secondary action bring characters and objects to life
    • Squash and stretch involves deforming an object's shape to convey weight, flexibility, and movement (bouncing ball)
    • Anticipation prepares the audience for an upcoming action by showing a character's wind-up or preparatory movement (character crouching before jumping)
  • Timing and spacing play crucial roles in creating realistic or exaggerated movements and conveying a sense of weight and momentum
  • Animation can be created using various techniques such as traditional hand-drawn animation, stop-motion, and computer-generated imagery (CGI)
  • Character design and development are essential aspects of animation, involving the creation of appealing, expressive, and memorable characters
  • Storyboarding is the process of visually planning an animation through a series of sketches that outline the key scenes, actions, and camera angles

Historical Context

  • Animation has roots in early optical toys and devices such as the thaumatrope, zoetrope, and flip book, which created the illusion of movement through rapid display of sequential images
  • The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of early animation pioneers like Émile Cohl, Winsor McCay, and the Fleischer brothers
    • Émile Cohl created "Fantasmagorie" (1908), considered the first fully animated film
    • Winsor McCay's "Gertie the Dinosaur" (1914) showcased personality animation and interaction with a live performer
  • The rise of the motion picture industry in the early 20th century provided a platform for the growth and development of animation as a medium
  • The Golden Age of American animation (1930s-1960s) saw the rise of major studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and MGM, which produced iconic characters and films
  • The advent of television in the 1950s led to a shift towards limited animation techniques and the rise of animated series produced for the small screen
  • The digital revolution of the late 20th century transformed the animation industry, introducing computer-generated imagery and new production workflows

Influential Artists and Studios

  • Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company revolutionized the animation industry with feature films like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) and "Fantasia" (1940)
    • Disney's "Twelve Basic Principles of Animation" became the foundation for character animation and are still widely used today
  • Warner Bros. Cartoons, led by directors like Tex Avery and Chuck Jones, created iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Wile E. Coyote
    • Warner Bros. shorts were known for their irreverent humor, fast-paced action, and breaking the fourth wall
  • Hanna-Barbera Productions dominated television animation with series like "The Flintstones" (1960-1966) and "The Jetsons" (1962-1963)
  • United Productions of America (UPA) introduced a stylized, modern aesthetic in films like "Gerald McBoing-Boing" (1950) and "Rooty Toot Toot" (1951)
  • Japanese animation (anime) gained global influence with works by artists like Osamu Tezuka, Hayao Miyazaki, and Satoshi Kon
    • Tezuka's "Astro Boy" (1963) popularized the large-eyed character design style in anime
    • Miyazaki's films, such as "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) and "Spirited Away" (2001), are renowned for their imaginative worlds and compelling storytelling
  • Computer animation pioneers like John Lasseter and Pixar Animation Studios pushed the boundaries of CGI with films like "Toy Story" (1995) and "Finding Nemo" (2003)

Landmark Exhibitions

  • The "Exhibition of the Works of Walt Disney" at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City (1940) was one of the first major exhibitions to recognize animation as an art form
    • The exhibition featured artwork, storyboards, and production materials from Disney's early films and helped legitimize animation in the eyes of the art world
  • The "Looney Tunes Golden Jubilee" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (1985) celebrated 50 years of Warner Bros. animation and showcased the studio's influence on popular culture
  • The "Anime! A Celebration of Japanese Animation" exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, Australia (1999) was one of the first major exhibitions to focus on Japanese animation as an art form
  • The "Watch Me Move: The Animation Show" exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery in London (2011) presented a comprehensive history of animation, featuring works from early pioneers to contemporary artists
  • The "Pixar: 20 Years of Animation" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (2005-2006) celebrated the studio's groundbreaking work in computer animation and storytelling
    • The exhibition included concept art, sculptures, and interactive displays that provided insight into Pixar's creative process
  • The "DreamWorlds: A Survey of Computer Animation" exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (2004) explored the impact of digital technology on animation and featured works from leading studios and artists

Animation Techniques and Styles

  • Traditional hand-drawn animation involves creating each frame of an animation by hand on paper or cels (transparent sheets)
    • This technique was the dominant form of animation for much of the 20th century and is known for its fluid, organic movement and expressive character acting
  • Stop-motion animation involves physically manipulating objects or puppets and capturing each frame through photography
    • Stop-motion techniques include claymation (using clay figures), puppet animation, and pixilation (using live actors)
  • Rotoscoping is a technique where animators trace over live-action footage to create realistic movement or use it as a reference for animation
  • Limited animation, popularized by television studios like Hanna-Barbera, involves using fewer drawings per second and recycling animations to reduce production costs
  • Computer-generated imagery (CGI) involves creating animations using 3D modeling, rigging, and rendering software
    • CGI has become the dominant form of animation in feature films and has also been used in conjunction with live-action footage (visual effects)
  • Motion graphics combine graphic design, typography, and animation to create moving designs often used in title sequences, commercials, and informational videos
  • Experimental and abstract animation styles explore non-narrative forms and often focus on the movement, colors, and shapes rather than characters or stories

Cultural Impact and Reception

  • Animation has had a profound impact on popular culture, with iconic characters and franchises becoming household names and inspiring merchandise, theme park attractions, and fan communities
  • Animated films and television shows have been used to entertain, educate, and address social issues, reflecting the values and concerns of their time
    • "The Simpsons" (1989-present) has provided satirical commentary on American culture and politics for over three decades
    • "South Park" (1997-present) has tackled controversial topics and pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable in animated comedy
  • Animation has been used as a tool for propaganda and political messaging, as seen in wartime cartoons like "Der Fuehrer's Face" (1943) and "Education for Death" (1943)
  • The global success of Japanese animation (anime) has introduced audiences to new storytelling conventions, genres, and cultural perspectives
    • Anime has influenced Western animation and popular culture, with series like "Pokémon" (1997-present) and "Dragon Ball Z" (1989-1996) gaining massive international followings
  • The rise of adult-oriented animation in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, such as "The Simpsons," "South Park," and "BoJack Horseman" (2014-2020), has challenged perceptions of animation as a medium solely for children
  • Animation has been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (introduced in 2001), highlighting its artistic merit and cultural significance

Critical Perspectives

  • Animation has been the subject of scholarly research and critical analysis, with academics exploring its history, techniques, and cultural impact
  • Feminist perspectives have examined the representation of gender in animation, critiquing the portrayal of female characters and the lack of diversity in the industry
    • The "Male Gaze" theory, proposed by Laura Mulvey, has been applied to animation to analyze how female characters are often depicted as objects of desire for male characters and audiences
  • Postcolonial and critical race theories have been used to study the representation of race and ethnicity in animation, highlighting stereotypes and the need for more diverse storytelling
  • Queer theory has explored the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in animation, examining how the medium has both reinforced and challenged heteronormative narratives
  • Psychoanalytic approaches have been used to interpret the symbolic and psychological meanings in animated films, drawing on concepts from Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung
  • Formalist and aesthetic theories have focused on the unique properties of animation as a medium, analyzing how its techniques and styles create meaning and evoke emotional responses
  • Reception studies have investigated how audiences interpret and engage with animated works, considering factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and historical context
  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are being explored as new platforms for animated storytelling and interactive experiences
    • VR animations, such as "Dear Angelica" (2017) and "Gloomy Eyes" (2019), offer immersive narratives that place the viewer inside the animated world
    • AR animations, like "Wonderscope" (2018), blend digital characters and stories with the user's real-world environment
  • Advancements in real-time rendering and game engines are blurring the lines between animation and interactive media, enabling more dynamic and personalized experiences
  • The increasing accessibility of animation tools and software is democratizing the medium, allowing more diverse voices and independent creators to produce and distribute their work
    • Online platforms like YouTube and Vimeo have become key outlets for independent animators to showcase their films and build audiences
  • The rise of streaming services and online distribution is changing the landscape of animated content, with platforms like Netflix and Amazon investing in original animated series and films
  • Collaborative virtual production techniques, such as those used in the making of "The Lion King" (2019), are transforming traditional animation workflows and enabling new forms of creativity
  • The growing demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling is leading to more representation of underrepresented groups in animation, both on-screen and behind the scenes
    • Initiatives like the Black N' Animated database and the Animation Diversity Roundtable are working to promote diversity and equity in the animation industry
  • The increasing globalization of the animation industry is fostering cross-cultural collaborations and the exchange of ideas and techniques between artists and studios around the world


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.