Illusion (Experimental Animation 1)

Illusion is a reflection of process-driven innovation, a concept I came to deeply value during my time as a teaching assistant in Professor Soyeon Kim’s Experimental Practice course at CSULB. In the Spring semester of 2024, I worked closely with Professor Kim, head of the Animation Department and a CalArts alumni, in her Experimental Animation course, which was divided into three sessions: 1. Visual Art Experiments; 2. Sound Experiments; and 3. Body Language/Performance Experiments.

This experience greatly expanded my understanding of animation filmmaking. Previously, I believed that the essence of animation and film lay solely in story content and structure. But, in this class, My exposure to the "experimental spirit" has made me more open to diverse approaches in filmmaking. The course taught me to prioritize the creative process itself and embrace experimentation as a tool for innovation.

Through this shift in perspective, I realized that the "experimental spirit" enables filmmakers to boldly explore uncharted territory, driving not only the evolution of the film industry but also the progression of artistic expression and culture. This mindset profoundly influenced my work on Illusion, encouraging me to venture beyond conventional methods and discover new possibilities in animation.

Production Process: 

While serving as a TA for the experimental animation class at CSULB, I completed this project. 

Here's a breakdown of the production process: 

1. We invited a dancer to the class to teach students how to communicate using body language. 
2. Students were given a stage to freely express themselves using body language behind a white curtain. Their performances were projected onto the white screen through backlights. 
3. I filmed the projection of the projected shadows of the students' performances on the white screen and used them as references for my experimental animation. 
4. I used the students' performances as the main material to explore the transformation from realistic human bodies to abstract objects. I also combined them with an abstract ink background to complete the whole film, "Illusion".