HUM 203: The World in Motion, Animation in Theory and Practice

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Final project

This short animation is an attempt to actualize one possible virtual through the medium of animation and stop-animation. I hoped that by ordering the scenes in this fashion, the spectator would draw a causal connection between the conspicuous consumption epitomized by the Hummer and global warming. While I depicted a fantastic possible method of dealing with the depleted northern Arctic Ice, I do not believe that my projection is outside of the realm of possible considerations we will be faced with in the near future. Already international conferences are taking place to consider who will be displaced by the rising water levels, and what can be done for them by these responsible international communities.

While shipping the polar bears off to Antarctica may seem bizarre, consider this: the majority of polar bears live in the U.S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Norway, and Greenland, and of those nations the hubris exhibited thus far by the U.S. especially on matters of the environment is a warning sign. I depicted the polar bears attacking the penguins to highlight the fact that currently penguins are considered charismatic mega-fauna and benefit from several documentary and animated films about them. The polar bear is more of a predator, and therefore considered a threat just as sharks are considered a nuisance. This mode of thinking has contributed to the sharp decline in shark (and polar bear) populations despite increased efforts to protect these endangered species.

Due to budget constrains, this piece was made in Photoshop, while the stop animation sequences comprised of items I had found like plastic and fabric. No penguins were injured in the making of this film. Finally, I have an exhibition feature made up of smell-o-vision. I have four fragrances in vials which ideally would be manufactured into scratch and sniff stickers:

gasoline
smoke
sea water (spirulina and seaweed)
cooked penguin (chicken)