Lamplightings: Masters of Abstract Animation at Speed Cinema

Lamplightings
Masters of Abstract Animation
Various Directors
Sunday, June 7, 1 pm
Free, first come, first served

Throughout the history of cinema, filmmakers have repeatedly sought to push outside of the bounds of the camera’s lens. With the use of animation, artists were able to break away from the photographic image and soon after began to step into the world of abstraction. In this program a selection of exemplary works has been drawn together demonstrating the many methods some of these artists have used to defy representation. Techniques including the use of a mechanical computer (Permutations), collage (Film Nos. 1-5, 7, & 10), drawing directly on film (Color Cry), and meticulous hand-drawn animation (Heavy-Light and Fuji) all produce distinct and irreplicable visual phenomena that can only be translated onto celluloid. A highly direct form of cinematic art, abstract animation is a deeply emotive yet oft overlooked throughline in experimental film. 1952-1980, U.S., 16mm, 61 minutes.

Film Nos. 1-5, 7, & 10 (Early Abstractions)
Directed by Harry Smith
c. 1965, U.S., 16mm, 23 minutes

Fuji
Directed by Robert Breer
1974, U.S., 16mm, 9 minutes

Permutations
Directed by John Whitney
1968, U.S., 16mm, 8 minutes

Color Cry/Rhythm/Free Radicals/Tal Farlow/Particles In Space
Directed by Len Lye
1952-1980, U.S., 16mm, 14 minutes

Heavy-Light
Directed by Adam Beckett
1973, U.S., 16mm, 7 minutes