The Art Interplay Between Animation and Popular Culture

Art and the world of Animation

Welcome to Animated. I write about famous and not-so-famous animations weekly to amaze and broaden your horizons. Why not subscribe for free to receive Animated in your inbox every Sunday? Telling your friends is actively encouraged 🙂

This week's essay is my final in the series. It looks at art in animation and its journey from the 1960s to the present day.

Introduction

Animation is a dynamic visual arts and cultural expression platform influencing various artistic movements and trends. From the 1960s to the present, animation has shaped and changed popular culture, drawing inspiration from diverse creative styles and expressions. This essay explores the symbiotic relationship between animation and visual arts, highlighting instances where art has influenced animation and vice versa.

1960s-1970s: Pop Art and Psychedelia

The rise of pop art and psychedelic aesthetics in the 1960s and 1970s significantly impacted animation. Cartoons like Yellow Submarine drew inspiration from pop art icons such as Andy Warhol, incorporating bold colours, graphic patterns, and surreal imagery into their animation style. Similarly, shows like The Pink Panther Show embraced psychedelic visuals and abstract designs, reflecting the countercultural movements of the era.

1980s-1990s: Anime Influence and Technological Advancements

The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the globalisation of animation and the growing influence of Japanese anime on Western popular culture. Anime series such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell showcased sophisticated storytelling and intricate animation techniques, inspiring Western animators to push the boundaries of their craft. Concurrently, technological advancements in computer animation paved the way for ground-breaking films like Toy Story, which revolutionised the animation industry and expanded the possibilities of visual storytelling.

2000s-2010s: Digital Art and Transmedia Storytelling

The 2000s and 2010s saw the convergence of animation with digital art and transmedia storytelling, blurring the boundaries between traditional and digital mediums. Cartoons like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Adventure Time embraced diverse artistic styles and narrative techniques, appealing to audiences of all ages with their rich visual aesthetics and immersive storytelling. The rise of online platforms provides new avenues for artists and animators to showcase their work and engage with fans worldwide.

Modern Day: Diversity and Inclusivity

In the modern-day, animation continues to evolve as a reflection of cultural diversity and inclusivity. Cartoons like Steven Universe and BoJack Horseman have garnered acclaim for their diverse representation of characters and themes, challenging traditional norms and stereotypes. Moreover, the accessibility of digital tools and online communities has empowered emerging artists to explore their unique voices and perspectives through animation, contributing to democratising artistic expression.

Conclusion

Animation is a dynamic intersection of visual arts and cultural expression, drawing inspiration from diverse artistic movements and trends while shaping popular culture and societal discourse. From the psychedelic aesthetics of the 1960s to the digital innovations of the modern-day, animation has continually evolved alongside technological advancements and cultural dynamics shifts. As we look towards the future, animation will continue to serve as a vibrant canvas for exploring the complexities of human experience and pushing the boundaries of artistic creativity.