Faculty of Art

Experimental Animation

Marisa Chan

Thesis: Cycles of Growth

An animated installation, exploring immersive space, reflections and layers of animation.

“Cycles of Growth is an animated installation that showcases projected animation on a clear acetate surface with painted mark-makings. It creates an immersive space, bringing 2-D animation out of the screen and into the physical world. The main theme of this project is a physical exploration of what immersive space and animation is, and how it can be experienced. With experimentations of projection on a clear acetate surface, I wanted to explore the interaction between layers of marks, animation, and light on a large scale format. In making 2-D animation into a physical space, I created layers of acetate with mark-makings that can be seen and viewed in multiple angles, allowing interaction with the viewing experience. The paint markings on the acetate interacts with the projected image, creating shadows of marks. The acetate, though clear, reflects coloured light from the animation onto surrounding surfaces. The overall goal for this work was to create an immersive space that will engage viewers. Though Cycles of Growth started out as an idea for a 2-D experimental animation, it evolved into an animated installation, exploring the use of space and animation in a physical aspect. The use of dimension and space are critical aspects in creating an immersive experience for the viewer. Applications of immersion in media and art, such as video games, installations and animation have always intrigued me in how they captivate their audience. To analyze this interest, I wanted to break down the layers of animation and light, and create an expanded immersive animation.My inspiration was drawn from my exploration of the concepts: change and growth in my artistic practice and as well as in my personal life. Accepting change has been something I have struggled deeply with, but I believe that change is essential for our growth as human beings and as artists. When my grandmother was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in the summer of 2020, I struggled to accept that her time was very limited. Cycles of Growth was the medium that helped me express myself, process these feelings, and figure out my voice as an artist. Part of the process of creating this piece was self-exploratory and learning to advocate for my art and my ideas. The title, Cycles of Growth is speaks to my inspiration for this piece; wanting to grow as an artist and as a person is where I started. I hope to showcase my interest for immersive spaces with my audience in my installation. In the creation of this installation, I went through a series of tests and experiments to determine how the projected images would interact with paint markings on clear acetate. I experimented with various other paint colours and mediums, such as gloss and iridescent medium to see how it would interact with the projection. I looked for inspiration from artists, such as Ran Huang and Kerstin Brätsch, who have applied either projection on found materials, or use of acetate layers. Cycles of Growth explores dimension and space as animations in an immersive installation of acetate layers, reflections and shadows, taking the 2-D animation into the physical world.”