Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep & Co
EXTENDED UNTIL 29.01.2017
The Exhibition
In 1976, Peter Lord and David Sproxton founded the studio Aardman Animations. Now, forty years, 74 short films, six feature films, ten series, various commercials and music clips, and four Oscars later, Aardman Studios has long been a worldwide cult. Their hand-crafted figures and the elaborate stop-motion process they use to create their works are what make the work of Aardman's animated film artists so unique. Especially in a world dominated by digital media, this analogue aesthetic is something very special.
The exhibition at the Deutsches Filmmuseum now pays tribute to the work of Aardman Animation in a quite wonderful exhibition. In the foyer outside the exhibition, as well as in three exhibition rooms, the process of creation in the studios is traced, from the first idea to the final shoot. Examples from 37 different film productions at the studio, including of course "Wallace & Gromit", "Shaun the Sheep", "Hens Run" or "The Pirates! A Bunch of Strange Guys" show the different stages of production that are necessary before the lovable clay figures can be brought to life. 123 pictures, twenty figures and twenty sets as well as numerous video contributions make the walk through the 400sqm exhibition area a very special experience.
It is clear from the sets on display just how much attention to detail is paid at Aardman Animation. As a viewer, you can literally get lost in the details that are often only visible for a split second while watching the films. After only a few steps, the exhibits conjure up a smile on the faces of the visitors, which disappears again at the earliest at the exit. In front of the display cases with the sets alone, you can stop for many minutes and see countless playful details. That's even the case with sets like an antique tent, which was only seen for a few seconds in the film. And even the desk of an Aardman employee on display is full of fascinating bits and pieces that make every penny of the admission fee a good investment.
The exhibition, which was originally conceived for Paris and will travel to other stops around the globe after Frankfurt, pays tribute to each and every department at Aardman and demonstrates, impressively as entertainingly, that the wonderful films and commercials only work when all the creative forces work perfectly together. And like the studio's work, the exhibition is something the whole family can enjoy. In fact, it's likely that in many cases the kids will have a hard time getting Dad or Mom away from the showcases. Definitely go in!!!
(Text: Sebastian Betzold)
