Speedy Graphito Painted Amongst His Works
(Courtesy: keskispass.devilles.ca)

Hypebeast Article: Speedy Graphito

The link above directs to Hypebeast.com where readers can learn more about Speedy Graphito. 

Speedy Graphito is an amazing artist who is known for his graffiti infused pop art style. In the image shown above, it is clear that Graphito, holds a consistent style with all of his works. Each visual is as appealing as the last, bringing back fond memories to many audience members. He presents most of his art in an abstract fashion yet still conveys his message and imagery across to the onlooker. He is quite talented and can inspire various emotions from just one of his pieces. As mentioned in my pop art blog post, I would definitely display pop art in my home depending on the artist, quality, and appeal of the piece. Learning of Speedy Graphito, any one of his works would seem to fit those guidelines. I absolutely love his work, and now that I am familiar with it, I would visit a gallery just to see it in person. As a millennial, many of the images depicted in his works have significant value to me in addition to provoking happy thoughts. 

Pop Art

Example of Pop Art (Courtesy: widewalls.ch)

About.com Article: Pop art

The link above directs to About.com where readers can learn more about the history of pop art.

Pop art, is the appreciation towards popular culture expressed in a youthful visual language. It is characterized by large text, bright colors, and recognizable imagery. The example shown above falls under this description as well as Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup art piece. In today's society, both examples are well recognized and identifiable with pop art. Comic's have been standardized with such forms of art. The images and colors instantly draw the attention of its viewers. Nowadays many artists switch between both hand drawn pop art and graphic representations. Personally, I consider this one of the better ways of catching an audiences attention, many graffiti artists have applied this technique to their work with outstanding results. In my opinion, not enough artists use this technique especially in marketing. It would be nice to see a modern cartoon use the pop art style as it was once used at the height of its popularity. I am such a fan in fact that I would display works of pop art in my home depending on the quality and its personal appeal. 

Steamboat Willie

Youtube Clip of Steamboat Willie (1928)

 (Courtesy: Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Steamboat Willie, the first fully synchronized sound cartoon by Walt Disney, is a classic animation that spans many generations. Being known for its iconic characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, this cartoon had everything I personally like in a film. The storyline was well developed, attention to detail was present, the character appeal in the protagonist, and humor. 

In the video posted above, a short clip of Steamboat Willie can be seen. The video opens with the Steamboat, which is given movements to certain non-mechanical components as if it were alive. The smoke stacks, steamboat whistle and crane hook are given lifelike characteristics. Right away it is established that conventionally inanimate objects can possess conscious actions. This is seen in many other cartoons as well, yet is worth noting since the supporting animations contribute to the overall persona of Mickey Mouse, one of the most recognized characters in all of the world. He is so iconic that he is the first cartoon character to ever star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As the clip continues, the innocence of Mickey Mouse can immediately be seen as the over joyous steamboat worker is going about his day at work. This can be seen throughout Mickey's career and lends reason to why is he so beloved.

With only 7 minutes and 22 seconds in this clip, this animation features so many movements and details that help build the storyline. After having completed my own 200 page hand drawn flip book animation, I can only imagine how long it took to finish such a storyboard. Walt Disney and his animators were extremely creative with this tale of Steamboat Willie, which years after being considered an adult still find this cartoon appealing to my inner kid. It brings about happiness, childhood memories, and an adolescent innocence that not many cartoons have. Having created an animation for this class myself, can say almost anyone even the untalented can create an animation, but creating one that captures the viewer's attention such as this is difficult.