Overall Stylistic InfluencesRevolutionary Girl Utena (pic. 1-3), dir. Kunihiko Ikuhara, 1996-7 Adolescence of Utena (pic. 4-5), dir. Kunihiko Ikuhara, 1999 Since third year I have been speaking great deal about the profound influences Ikuhara and specifically Utena have on my artistic development. Utena has an abundance of symbolism, sometimes completely absurd and sometimes eerily beautiful, and the story is carefully crafted and deeply emotional. At the same time, it deals with many heavy issues without sugar coating them. It urges us to keep fighting against a power structure that is harmful to everyone and try to have fun imagining the future (taken from a quote of Ikuhara). The psychological impact of the show inspires me to try out symbolic storytelling. The movie Adolescence of Utena continues and furthers the series, and mostly provide inspirations on a self-contained world building. While my drawing style is not significantly different from the show, the aesthetics change the way I draw a bit. Also equally important, the spirit behind the show encourages me to keep going. I can say that without Utena I will not be doing what I am doing today, Mawaru Penguindrum, dir. Kunihiko Ikuhara, 2011 Penguindrum shares the characteristics of complex and symbolic story telling with Utena, but visually it heads into a different direction. Family bond and love is central to the show, and it is something very positive and touching that we can go through something hard together. The abstraction of space in the show is quite influential to my film. The opening especially leaves a lot of white spaces and the choice turns nothing into something. To me, it is a space for contemplation. The use of apple is an afterthought that I only remembered after I modified my scene but subconsciously guide me towards a certain direction. A little extra In third year I put together a presentation (click to view) on Ikuhara and did some research. Some additional information can be found in the slide show. Sense of Anxiety |
ArchivesCategories |