COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
Applying Stan Brakhage’s Theory of “Innocent Eye” to Motion Graphics
Creator:
Cheng, Cheng
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Motion Media Design
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Motion Media Design
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
"In Stan Brakhage’s book, Metaphor on Vision (1963), he argues that the 'wrong' cinematic
effects can metaphorically visualize the process of human vision, a theory of the 'innocent
eye.' His films were considered to be lyrical, abstract and a form of expressionism because those
films did not contain storyline or characters.
However, the theory behind his visual practices, fundamentally not only changed people’s way
of looking with their own eyes, but also created a new type of film audience, hungry for a
different film aesthetic and a visual language independent from conventional films dramas
Brakhage argued that the ‘absolute realism’ of the motion picture image is a human invention.
The physical element of media itself is not only the tangible frame line and still picture, it is also
the process of visual sensing inside of our own eyes and mind. Brakhage never stopped fighting
for the right of being an amateur filmmaker, and his theory supports films that are not just
commercial entertainment products, they can be a serious form of fine art for independent
filmmakers. This is a profound basis of inspiration for contemporary motion graphics artist who
feel that motion graphics, as a relatively new form of art, should not be constrained by the
commercial industry, it should also be a form of fine art. In Brakhage’s age, the tools were film,
cameras and optical printers. In contemporary times, they can be computers and digital cameras."
effects can metaphorically visualize the process of human vision, a theory of the 'innocent
eye.' His films were considered to be lyrical, abstract and a form of expressionism because those
films did not contain storyline or characters.
However, the theory behind his visual practices, fundamentally not only changed people’s way
of looking with their own eyes, but also created a new type of film audience, hungry for a
different film aesthetic and a visual language independent from conventional films dramas
Brakhage argued that the ‘absolute realism’ of the motion picture image is a human invention.
The physical element of media itself is not only the tangible frame line and still picture, it is also
the process of visual sensing inside of our own eyes and mind. Brakhage never stopped fighting
for the right of being an amateur filmmaker, and his theory supports films that are not just
commercial entertainment products, they can be a serious form of fine art for independent
filmmakers. This is a profound basis of inspiration for contemporary motion graphics artist who
feel that motion graphics, as a relatively new form of art, should not be constrained by the
commercial industry, it should also be a form of fine art. In Brakhage’s age, the tools were film,
cameras and optical printers. In contemporary times, they can be computers and digital cameras."
Abstract:
Keywords: Stan Brakhage, abstract film, American avant-garde film, motion graphics,
non-narrative films, lyrical film, innocent eye, visual perspective
non-narrative films, lyrical film, innocent eye, visual perspective
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2019-01
Format:
PDF : 42 pages, film stills (color)