http://www.ericdyer.com/
Although we have learned of many artists/designers using new technology to create art, some artists are taking a step back on the timeline and putting a twist on old technology.
Eric Dyer being one of them. He is taking a trip back to the 1800s with the zoetrope. As Wikipedia nicely states: “A zoetrope is one of several pre-film animation devices that produce the illusion of motion by displaying a sequence of drawings or photographs showing progressive phases of that motion.” To Dyer, “zoetropes are like time sculptures — film and animation all contained within a single object.”
Dyer has put quite a few of his own spins on the zoetrope:
-In one of his older films he replaced the slit with camera shutter while keeping the principles of the zoetrope intact (motionless still images made into paper sculptures looping/spinning to create motion): Copenhagen Cycles(https://vimeo.com/116899023) – Warning- may make you dizzy.
-He has explored using 3D sculptures rather than flat images: The Bellows March (https://vimeo.com/17314292 )
-He has also replaced the slit by using flashing lights: Flora ( https://vimeo.com/293187555)
-He invites the viewer to become a part of the experience and even become part of the zoetrope: Girona Octopi (https://vimeo.com/192471992).
Additionally, Dyer is actually currently having a solo show “Pulse and Flow:Art of the Modern Zoetrope” (https://pcad.edu/gallery_exhibit/pulse-and-flow-art-of-the-modern-zoetrope/ )
Overall, being in an age of such rapid technological advancement, I found it interesting to see an artist going back to a more tactile animation technique!
