Explore technology to discover what makes something interesting
CCBT’s Art × Tech Lab program offers practical ways to learn about art and technology. The first event for fiscal 2023 is a hands-on chance to experience animation and video technology, and discover the principles behind what makes video content interesting.
The widespread availability of smartphones has enabled us all to shoot and edit videos easily, and even publish and share them. Those videos are uploaded to platforms like YouTube and TikTok and viewed by lots of people. But what is it about a video that makes it interesting for us to watch? In this workshop, participants will try out manually operated animation and video technology, and explore what makes content interesting.
The praxinoscope is an animation device invented by the French Émile Reynaud in 1877. It features a sequence of gradually changing pictures on the inner surface of a cylinder. When the cylinder is spun, the pictures reflect in the ring of mirrors inside the cylinder and look like they are moving.
In this workshop, participants will build a praxinoscope using a kit made by 3D printer and a series of photographs taken by a digital camera, and then create a one-of-a-kind animation. It’s not only about how good the pictures are but also about the collaborative process that helps shape the results: participants will each create their own original animation devices and content by brainstorming and coming up with ideas for workarounds and improvements. After the praxinoscopes are finished, participants can share their impressions and feedback with each other as well as take their devices home to show family and friends, extending their experiences beyond CCBT.
The praxinoscope uses mirrors to animate pictures but the principle behind this system is not so dissimilar from present-day technology used in 3D video devices and so on. Today, when videos have become such a familiar part of our lives, by joining together the commonplace act of taking a photograph on a digital camera, along with learning about how a video works from past technology, participants will directly experience the ways in which seemingly obsolete tech is still with us in the present.
◆This workshop will cover:
- Introduction to Praxinoscope
- Divide into groups, shooting & print out time
- Making a Praxinoscope
- Presentation of works
- Wrap-up
Reference: Workshop held at an elementary school
◆Art × Tech Lab program
Led by an expert in the field, the event will serve as an opportunity to come into contact with digital creativity, and to learn knowledge and approaches about technology.
