Animation, Winter 2006
ArtDes 300, Sec. 05
Prof. Heidi Kumao

Animation Project #2:

Collag-imation:
(What is?) A CONTEMPORARY HYBRID

Since the beginning of time, hybrids of all kinds have co-existed with the so-called pure-bred species. Monsters were often defined as such because their body parts seemed to come from multiple species: the body of a horse, the feet of a lion, the head of a human, etc. Geneticists have constantly experimented with plants to derive a more disease resistant or more attractive species. More recent genetics experiments have tried to mix genes of one animal with those of another--note the "glowing bunny" media story generated by an artist applying the phosphorescent gene to a rabbit's genes. Postmodernism in the arts and literature saw the increased use of existing/found cultural materials to make hybridized artworks that commented on the original and created new artforms. From wearable sculpture to digital, interactive portraits and video installations, the arts of today are continually cross-breeding. Purity is near impossible and hybrid identities are most commonplace: "my mother is Japanese, my father is Peruvian, but I grew up in LA" or "I used to date girls, but now I date boys and girls" or "I think like a girl but I act like a boy."

Create or choose a hybrid of some type: identity, animal, plant, artwork, state of mind, place, time, person, thing, etc. What are its properties? How can they be manifested visually? What is life like for this hybrid?

Make a short animation using After Effects about this hybrid. How is it different from something that is considered "pure?"