The Persistence of Animation

Towards a Forensics Theory of Animation

Abstract: This paper proposes a forensics theory of animation. It will consider firstly how animation has been extensively used as model and simulation of invisible or past events. Secondly, it will consider how animation can be used to directly cogitate and analyze the world.

This paper will draw upon concepts of process philosophy, animation theory, cognitive science, forensics science, and documentary film theory. It will also feature a number of relevant animated films including some of the author’s own experimental animations which seek to forensically investigate aspects of the actual world.

Biographical Statement: Dan Torre, an American-born animator, researcher and university lecturer, currently resides and teaches in Australia. He has been lecturing in animation at universities in Australia for the past seven years, currently at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He has been researching and writing on animation history and theory for a number years, presenting papers at a number of academic conferences in recent years, including two SAS conferences. His primary research interests are animation theory, Australian animation history, the animated documentary and process philosophy. The current proposed paper draws from his PhD thesis and current research.

The Work of Animation in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Abstract: In The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Walter Benjamin sets a standard for the purpose of art, which is a demand for revolution concerning the politics of art itself. And it is in this highly influential piece of writing that Benjamin mentions many forms of artwork, yet Benjamin fails to mention one important form of art — animation. It is from here that I will begin to deconstruct Benjamin’s most famous piece of writing by infiltrating his argument and placing animation in the forefront of a discussion concerning the art and politics of animation.

Biographical Statement: Corbett Miteff is an artist and academic from Texas and currently studying for his PhD at Cardiff University, Wales. His topic for research is futuristic visions of religion in science fiction animation. By undertaking an approach to critical theory and applying it to animation, Corbett explores certain assumptions made by academics and artists, all while exploring alternative views of seminal texts.