ANIMATED STORIES
An interactive exhibition about animation and optical illusions.
Dive into the world of animation and the illusion of movement through four animated worlds — an exhibition for children and their parents.
The Illusion of Movement
What we call the principle of the illusion of movement — the thing that engages our eyes and brains every day as we watch screens and films — was not born from a miraculous discovery. Nor did it begin when someone named it as a scientific phenomenon. It has been part of human perception since time immemorial, as prehistoric cave paintings also show.
Discover more about the illusion of movement in the following four areas:
VERTIGO, ART AND SCIENCE, DEVILISH IMAGES, VIRTUAL WORLDS.
Vertigo
Dizziness can sometimes even be pleasant, but too much of anything is harmful. And what actually happens to our perception when our head starts to spin? What is really spinning — us, or the world around us?
Scientists began exploring the phenomenon of the illusion of movement also in connection with the study of vertigo. It is linked to all kinds of optical effects and illusions, such as seeing spots in bright light, rubbing your eyes, or — heaven forbid — getting hit on the head. Don’t try that yourself; gently rubbing your eyes is enough!
Art and Science
Entertainment, art, and science have always developed hand in hand. As science uncovered the principles of human perception, these discoveries naturally influenced the interests of visual artists and the emergence of new artistic movements.
And the other way around: visual art played an important role in expanding the imagination and visual experience of its time. The results of scientists’ and artists’ work were often almost indistinguishable. After all, who ever thought to separate science from art? One could say they are different ways of exploring the same thing.
Devilish Images
Even today, myths persist about people in the past being afraid of moving “devilish” images. Anything that could not be explained was believed to be the work of dark forces. Magicians, illusionists, theatre makers, and other entertainers began using all kinds of optical toys. Inventors introduced the phenakistiscope, the zoetrope, and the praxinoscope.
Virtual Worlds
Thanks to new discoveries during the 19th century, it became clear that, in fact, nothing was clear at all. The seemingly magical worlds all around us lost their mysterious qualities and became products of scientifically explorable optical illusions, tricks, and deceptions.
In a way, this also marked the beginning of a major cultural and social shift leading up to the present day, when virtual worlds are a completely ordinary part of our lives.
Animated Stories
Target Audience
Children of preschool and school age, but the exhibition will also appeal to their parents.
The exhibition design delights both adults and children, making it great fun for the whole family!
Exhibition Space
We can adapt the exhibition to almost any space.
The recommended ideal space is approximately 50–200 m².
Animation Workshops
As part of the exhibition, we also offer animation workshops.
During the workshop, participants create short animations at stop-motion stations or using animation machines. This workshop is ideal for school classes, art school groups, or other organised groups.
The ideal workshop length is 90 minutes. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants try out different animation techniques and get to know animation machines. Participants always receive their film by email.
Get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to prepare a non-binding price offer for you.