PICTOPLASMA – CHARACTERS IN RYTHM
Pictoplasma was conceived as a passion project ten years ago with the goal of championing the vibrant characters that are springing from the minds of today’s pioneering artists, whether it be animation, illustration, graphic art or toys. Since then, the project has published a series of highly regarded compilations, including “The Character Encyclopaedia” and “Characters in Motion” series, that have gone on to become pictorial bibles of character design. The lively exchange between the various disciplines at the project’s annual conferences, festivals and exhibitions highlight the importance of contemporary characters in today’s visual understanding.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Our visual culture is being revolutionized by abstract depictions of figures that are reduced to just a few distinguishing graphic features. In the process of a truly explosive movement, digital media, advertising, fashion, animation and art are invaded by a new breed of characters. They playfully quote and remix such diverse phenomena as pop culture, tribal and folklore, brand logos and comics without restricting themselves to any single one of these genres. In such a way, characters speak to observers at an emotional level as well as crossing cultural boundaries.
Based in Berlin, Peter Thaler and Lars Denicke have established the project Pictoplasma as the world’s first and largest network of character art and activities. With their best selling publications, pictorial encyclopedia and animation DVDs, they have given the contemporary movement a timeless and worthy manifestation. Beyond this activity, Pictoplasma is acclaimed for a series of events. Besides establishing Berlin as the epicenter of character culture with its annual conferences and animation festivals, Pictoplasma has toured extensively with group exhibitions, interactive installations and festivals, that celebrate the visual wealth of contemporary character design.
DE UNIE
MAURITSWEG 34
MONDAY 08 NOVEMBER
20.00 > 22.00 HRS
Image credits (from top to bottom): 1. Fons Schiedon @ Pictoplasma Screening, 2. Tokyoplastik @ Pictoplasma Screening, 3. Three Legged Legs @ Pictoplasma Screening
