2D animation

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The National Gallery is collaborating with Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design on 'Transcriptions: Animation’, an innovative new project which involves postgraduate animation students producing short films inspired by the Gallery’s collection. The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Gallery.

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From the film-maker:

In my opinion good humour and a cheeky little joke is essential to animation. That’s why I have chosen this painting, which made me smile. Even though in the painting Silenus appears completely drunk and naked, I couldn't ignore the fact that he resembles Santa Claus. My inspiration came from the visual aspect of the main character and the situation he's involved in: that's why you'll find a lot of nudity and alcohol in my film.

Although it's all a joke, it touches on some of the current social problems connected to the credit crunch and people left in desperate situations. My Santa has been pushed to the edge and decided to moonlight as a cabaret stripper.
I was always drawn to traditional animation with a nice pencil feel to it. I challenged myself with a pile of paper and some funky dance moves, which was a fun process and rewarding to do.

Anna Fyda

A piece inspired by: Drunken Silenus supported by Satyrs, Attributed to Anthony van Dyck, about 1620