Introduction

For this proposal  we are looking to bring to life some classic art works covering various image genres such as Cave Art, Egyptian, Japanese, Art Nouveau and Classic European art works. Focusing on famous pieces which our audience is most likely to have a connection with.

We plan to explore the concepts we've learnt such as silhouette conceptual/ experimental animation as well as combining two different animation methods together as one piece, for example sand and paper animation. Using illustrative drawings or painting on paper to express the style in the background then using the sand to give movement and life to the illustrations.

Research
Image Genre

In this section we are looking at different areas of art history.

1. Cave Paintings

Firsty looking at some cave  paintings specifically looking at works dating to prehistoric times.

    Aurochs

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lascaux-aurochs.jpg

   

    Altamira

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Altamira,_bison.jpg

The most common themes in cave paintings are large wild animals, such as bison, horses, aurochs, and deer, and tracings of human hands as well as abstract patterns, called finger flutings. Drawings of humans were rare and are usually schematic rather than the more naturalistic animal subjects. One probable explanation for this may be that realistically painting the human form was "forbidden by a powerful religious taboo." Cave art may have begun in the Aurignacian period (Hohle Fels, Germany), but reached its apogee in the late Magdalenian (Lascaux, France).

Many of the paintings were drawn with red and yellow ochre, hematite, manganese oxide and charcoal. Sometimes the silhouette of the animal was incised in the rock first

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_painting

The shapes and textures shown in the examples above would be interestingly reproduced through sand on glass giving different gradients through the density of sand applied also holding that rough grainy quality of the paintings. These images would translate well for the use of negative space in sand animation. The simplicity and style of the images would enable easy manipulation of the image for animating movement while maintaining the style and image genre.

2. Egyptian Art

Secondly looking at Egyptian art as it is so distinct and recognisable in is strict form and consistent style.

 http://www.animhut.com/articles/design-history-egyptian-art-episode-4/

The art in Egyptian style was very strict. People were drawn front on while the heads were drawn in profile. Nature, animals and slaves were drawn more naturally with more freedom. There is never any attempt at perspective or spacial illusion. The colours are warm and each variation of colour served a symbolic purpose for example men's skin was painted red where women were painted yellow. The art works only ever showed vibrant youth and often illustrated their respect for death.

Exploring this art style in sand animation would bring emphasis on the consistent shapes and forms within this style. Giving such still flat images movement would be quite interesting as the restrictions in this art form would require creative and interesting transitions and movement.

3. Japanese Art
Japanese art shows a strong sense of culture through their art style. Some styles vary having a more organic feel and other work created through wood press has a more specific flat yet still organic touch.

    Fujinraijin


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fujinraijin-tawaraya.jpg

   Hiroshige Atake

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hiroshige_Atake_sous_une_averse_soudaine.jpg

http://emptyeasel.com/2008/04/24/a-brief-history-of-japanese-art-prints-also-known-as-ukiyo-e/

There is a strong use of positive and negative space to illustrate the shapes in these images. Most of these images appear very flat with some playing on the illusion of perspective or depth. These images have a lot of movement and emotion which would translate well into sand animation. Simple colours, limited gradients as well as large amounts of empty space would be key things to consider when animating to ensure the style is consistent and recognizable.

4. Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is European craftsmanship at its peak. Art Nouveau is an style/area in art history consisting of more organic flowing forms. This was reflected through furniture design, architecture, and poster design. The effort and quality of work in this area is of such a high standard. The organic forms in this area show this.

 

Art Nouveau emerges realistic art style with flat colour and organic abstractions from the Japanese art. The art style is highly decorative and all these aspects should be portrayed in the animation to really emphasize the beauty and organic nature of Art Nouveau.