Animating Life
This exhibition tells the story of my relocation, how I moved from the Philippines to Switzerland which provided opportunities and experiences I could never have imagined. It honors this transition and explores ideas related to environment, relationships, maturity - and ultimately, how migration affects these aspects of one’s identity.
The central theme of the exhibition can be summarized in one word: movement. Each exhibit piece details key aspects of my life that have changed because of my displacement. To integrate the theme, each piece utilizes a medium that contains a moving element; from classic representations, such as films and storyboards, to more experimental formats such as augmented reality and zoetropes. Having a strong interest in animation heavily influenced this decision since I am continuously fascinated by the essence animation brings to works of art. Animating a piece creates a sense of depth and soul that elevates the work. With a theme incredibly personal to me, I wanted to tell this story with a heart and spirit that was only possible with animated work. Hence the works present the theme of movement in moving mediums - animating life.
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The pieces below are part of my IB Diploma, Visual Arts HL.
Lipad, Lipat (Flying, Moving)
Animated Short Film, Adobe After Effects, Paper
120 x 70 cm; 52s
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This film explores the emotions one might experience when leaving their home country, as the audience follows this character being transported to a new world. This reflects my personal experience with migration. Inspired by Mathieu Aubry’s short film Paper (2011), the paper cut-out animation style integrates the motif of paper airplanes. An airplane symbolizes travel, movement, and exploration of new worlds - and is what brings the figure to their new world.
Moving Home
Augmented Reality, Adobe Aero, Procreate
561 x 271 cm
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This piece is centered on the idea of changing locations and highlights the differences I noticed in each. By using augmented reality, the viewer is forced to physically move through the space to shift between locations. This level of immersion is further heightened by the addition of animations that are homages to each location, giving each environment a unique life.
First Day
iPad Screen, Procreate
23 x 99.5 x 70 cm
IBDP HL, March, 2024
In this piece, I aim to depict the experience of meeting new people and the resulting feelings from being evaluated. Each screen is a close-up of different animated eyes, with the intent of evoking a sense of unease as the viewer feels they are being judged - similar to how meeting new people often feels. These eyes are placed on paper airplanes, symbolizing the differences between the viewer and the figures - as the airplane motif relates back to the international community.
Connection Over time
Storyboard Mockup, Cards, Paper, String
100 x 90 cm
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This piece mimics a storyboard, telling the story of a “new kid” trying to integrate in their new environment. Each row presents the same scenario, the “new kid” is trying to make friends; with each row taking place at different times. This storyboard format shows the subtle changes as time progresses until the new kid is accepted by his friends. This acceptance causes the figure’s head to shift to a paper airplane - symbolizing how they have become part of this international community.
Staying in Touch
Transparent Paper, Graphite Pencil, String
19 x 290 x 120
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This triptych explores the impact moving has on your previous relationships, showing three scenarios of how relationships might change: a mutual separation and both parties grow apart; the viewer is left alone as the other party in the relationship has moved; and lastly, the viewer moves on, and the other party is left in the relationship. By using transparent paper, the piece communicates the movements of the hands, with the hands symbolizing their connection and relationship.
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Transition
Rotoscope Short Film, Adobe Rush, Procreate
100 x 90 cm; 40s
IBDP HL, March, 2024
The term transition applies to this rotoscope animation’s function and meaning. The figure in this film has experienced the impact of moving and the lifestyle of an international citizen - now, they have to transition into adulthood. Thematically, I explored the sentiment that your experiences shape the adult you become. Functionally, the piece is a transition between two key ideas, creating a more cohesive narrative in my exhibition.
Wheel of Life
Zoetrope, Paper, Ceramic Plant Holders, Foamcore, Procreate
115 x 155 x 185 cm
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This series is a collection of zoetropes that aim to animate actions that personally signify independence. Zoetropes are an old form of animation, and by looking through the slits, the viewer can see small animated objects in each. I chose to animate different symbols that represent my adulthood. These banal actions depicted in an animated manner alongside bright and vibrant colors symbolize the excitement of adulthood.
Frames of Becoming
Pinewood Boards, Acrylic Paint, Pinewood Blocks, Nails
186 x 50 x 51.5 cm
IBDP HL, March, 2024
This installation piece is made of 4 panels of paintings assembled into this cube-like shape. Each painting is a depiction of my figure at different ages, from toddler, child, teenager, and finally adult. The first three figures are holding hands, while the adult figure is walking away - symbolizing the passing of my time as a child, while showing the evolution into adulthood as the last figure leaves the confines of the panel.
