Musings on the OIAF 09 poster
The image is raw, explosive and chaotic—like the work we emphasize at the OIAF.
I look at the poster and think ART (yes, I hear you critics saying “yeah, bad art” whatever. that’s not the point). Isn’t animation an art form? It’s been the OIAF’s on-going mission to get away from the idea that animation has to be silly, juvenile and gag orientated, that there has to be a classic narrative with recognizable character types (usually in the form of circular based animals). We want it to be considered in the realm of the art world, not just as a form of industry/entertainment.
Does the image represent all of animation? Of course not. Why would it? How would that even be possible? Hell, it’s the last thing we want to attempt.
I see it as an apt reflection of the OIAF’s character. We’ve got a reputation for emphasizing provocative, personal work over bland, derivative ‘cartoons’. We don’t want to show what’s already out there, we want to show work (regardless of whether it’s a commercial, tv series, or independent short) that is different, that provokes, that expresses a personal view of the world (and I’m not just talking about films by Joanna Quinn, Priit Parn, Igor Kovalyov etc…. it could be something as commercially orientated as, say, Superjail or Robot Chicken or Wallace and Gromit).
What is an animation poster, by the way? Are Annecy’s posters accurate reflections of animation? Personally, they make me cringe. Hardly any thought is put into the work. Let’s just get some French student to do the poster for free and put a funny character in it. But, hey, that’s the way Annecy works and they’re not the most successful animation festival around for nothing.
Anyway, back to the image.
Some will say that the image looks like that of a child. That’s accurate. Hell, that’s what I love about it. I was visiting a friend earlier this year and noticed that her daughter’s artwork resembled something of Ushev’s imagery. The almost abrasive colour chaos, the unprocessed nature of the work… it’s not even stream-of-consciousness because the kids arent even aware of what (sub)conscious is. It’s automatic art in it’s more purest form.
And, for me, that’s the key to this image. It’s an ode to those pure, innocent childhood scribbles. It conveys the idea that every kid, every scribbler has the ability to be an artist….that there is no RIGHT path towards becoming a good/great artist.
That’s my take.
It’s a personal impression put together by my own experiences and my own beliefs about the OIAF.
Is it right? Is it wrong?
In this particular time and place, it’s right for both me and the OIAF.
August 21st, 2009 at 6:49 am e
Animation is not an art form. It’s a process of production used to create films. Film is the art form.
That priggish quibble aside, it’s a great poster.
I don’t know if its a “good painting” -that has a wholly different set a values, but as a poster its striking, beautiful, “raw”, kinetic, presents the information and gives you a sense of what the Festival is about.
I think it’s your best poster. Better than Hykade’s (which was good -great drawing -but very ‘insider’ content), better than Panter’s (which was pedestrian by his standards, nice enough, but didn’t bring it home as we say). Most of the others I didn’t care for.
Complaints that “my three year old cousin could do that” are outlandish and evidence of the critic’s willful thoughtlessness. The work may have the energy of a pre-nap fingerpaint throwdown, but it’s clearly a sophisticated, mature, and extraordinary eye that painted it.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:11 pm e
I don’t know art, but I know what I like, and I like the poster!
August 24th, 2009 at 9:00 am e
Thanx for the defending words guys ! It helps when at least the friends are behind, and saying good words about the shitty things that I do…
August 24th, 2009 at 9:28 am e
I agree with Richard in that I think this poster is one of the best you’ve displayed. My sense of many connected with animation is that they no longer have the capacity to think outside of their little gag cartoon worlds. The poster is hardly daring as art, but it is daring for an animation festival to show something that challenges animators to look a bit deeper. I think people like having something to complain about.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am e
Since 2000, I have loved all ( at least parts of each ) of the OIAF posters. Much like the films in competition which, although I may not like them all nor am I required to, we have a chance to see and discuss the art form with others. The poster sets the tone for the festival and this year looks very promising to me!
August 24th, 2009 at 11:58 am e
The controversy over the OIAF poster gave me the idea to create a blog dedicated to animation festival poster. It’s very simple: as soon as I find a poster on the Web, I post it. My intention is to present example of how animation is represented and promoted.
http://marcodeblois.wordpress.com/
I’ll update it from time to time. Feel free to comment.
If you have good jpgs of animation festival posters don’t hesitate to send them to me.
August 25th, 2009 at 5:17 am e
I’m glad that so many people are coming to Theo’s defence. He’s a great guy and a fantastic artist. Three cheers for all you folks.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:44 pm e
re: theo’s poster
I want one.