The Animation Umbrella
Something I kept thinking about after last class was what people today count as animation. I don't think animation can be defined as one specific art form anymore. I think animation has morphed into an umbrella term that a lot of other different types of art styles can fall under. For example, we we discussing CGI and if that's something that can be counted as animation. I do agree that is seems more like a special effect technique than traditional animation, but I still thinks it counts as animation because it's still not live action and was something that had to be created. Since these effects are more present in live action movies than ever, I would say that it's a type or use of animation while still not making these films animations. I think CGI falls under the umbrella of "Animation" the same way stop motion would. As technology gets more advanced, I do think animation will have to widen its definition since it's becoming a broader art form. This also seems to apply to VR. I used to be pretty against VR because it freaked me out to be completely surrounded by technology. Also I think the best part of watching things is watching it with other people and sharing your reactions, and VR is so isolating. However, after interacting with VR for the first time in Ottawa, I'm OBSESSED. It was amazing how real the world felt! It's crazy to me how much detail an effort has to go into creating every scene and for them to be able to be viewed in any direction. I felt like a little kid again seeing a 3D movie for the first time when you used to to reach out and try to touch things because when using the VR I tried to touch something with my hand before I could think and I felt really stupid. When I watched the guy before me go I was like I'm not going to look that dumb during my t time, but I'm pretty sure I looked even dumber because I just got so lost in the world. Anyways, I think VR is a very interesting, new way to explore animation because it is something that feels so realistic, but is still completely man made and is a work of art.
I would consider CGI as animation because you're creating a figure or object and creating the illusion that it is moving on its own. While it is accomplished with a computer this is still the same basis of how cel animation and stop-motion animation are achieved. I think one effect that might fall into a more gray area is the art of motion-capture, like Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, or the Na'vi from Avatar. Since the way they move and look is literally modeled after the motions and expressions of real people, does this count as animation?
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