URCAD is LIVE!! This is a repost from Undergraduate Research
April 18-24
Animating Bouboulina: An Interactive Painting Project
Presenter: Bee Possidente
Mentors: April Householder (Undergraduate Research), and Corrie Parks (Visual Arts, Animation)
Abstract:
"Animating Bouboulina" uses experimental animation to bring a painting to life, telling the story of Laskarina Bouboulina, a heroine of modern Greek history and commander of her own fleet during the Greek War of Independence (1821). The painting, created by Greek-Australian artist, Effie Chaniotis, was commissioned by Dr. April Householder to be dedicated to the Bouboulina Museum in Spetses, Greece, depicts Bouboulina alongside her descendant and founder of the museum, Philip Demertzis-Bouboulis. It is the first painting of Bouboulina to be created by a female artist, and highlights her humanity and vulnerability in contrast with her idealized reputation, while also honoring the founding of the museum. Working closely with Dr. Householder, I have produced a collection of short animations that tell Bouboulina's story, bringing to life various symbols featured in the painting that each represent a concept or important event in her life. Using Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and After Effects, I developed experimental methods of converting the original painting into animated motion, mimicking cut-paper animation with digital cutouts and creating sophisticated rigs that combined cutouts and hand-drawn pieces. This work explores the creative potential of the ongoing digitization of art and art history, and challenges the traditional narrative surrounding Bouboulina while simultaneously celebrating her achievements and legacy.
Bee is a URA Scholar and a member of the Honors College