Baobab

This is my graduate film, completed in my final year of a BA in Media and Communication at Goldsmiths in 2005. I was particularly interested in exploring the visceral nature of animated drawing through the rostrum camera, as opposed to the clean lines provided by computer generated imagery; the concept was influenced in part by the South African Truth and Reconciliation hearings, but mostly by some of the theories regarding embodiment and experience I was exposed to during my studies. I produced a stream-of-consciousness sequence of drawings inspired by the notion that systems of oppression become embodied by all who live under them, leaving a complex legacy that sinks deeply into the very fabric of a society and its people. Inspirational narratives of forgiveness and compassion are often reluctant to acknowledge apartheid's monstrous legacy and its role in the elements of violence and brutality that can be seen to pervade much of the 'new' South Africa; this is my attempt to explore the issue from a personal perspective.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• baobab
• experimental
• hand
• drawn
• goldsmiths
• student
• animation
• south
• african

[1dhughes]

I'm going to be starting this course in september. I know it's probably changed a lot but how did you find it? Was it hard to get work after you had completed the course? thanks

[ceirenbell]

@1dhughes Hi! Short answer - best thing I've ever done, can't recommend it highly enough. Of course, I'm biased as I'm now teaching animation there ;) Send me a direct message and I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you have about the course/work options etc ^_^

[kittyw0man]

what does this mean?

[ceirenbell]

The 'info' box next to the animation gives the long answer; I was concerned with the way people often vocalise despair at violence in the 'new' South Africa, while never relating it to Apartheid's horrendous legacy.

The idea was to illustrate that oppressive regimes can almost be understood to poison the very earth itself, so that whatever grows from it is forever affected. Not sure how successful it was; it's a personal exploration and not a bad bit of animation, so I'm happy with it!

[Gundamlockon00]

It seems like you know what your talking about. i'm glad you made it with this film, it sort of disturbing but at the same time mesmarizing.

[Kogerii]

Looks good. Have you seen Pink Floyd's The Wall?

[vbch]

interesting drawings, good movements..

nice .

[gelorobinson]

Loving it. - Remember that this film is the reason I applied to Goldsmiths.

I hope I will be at Goldsmiths next year still to do the same things you have achieved. I am flying back to the UK today. Feeling a little better. Will email you about everything else tonight or tomorrow morning.

best, sebastian.

[bleedingmouths]

Ciaren is the best! This still looks great. Let us drink one day soon.

[Pinkbetty]

Hi, I am currently doing my final year in animation at Goldsmiths. Wanted to let you know I think this is amazing. I love the way you have used frame by frame animation, looks so effective. Check out my year 2 completed project BANG BANG if you are interested. Emma.