For our next Creative Challenge artists Mark Zygadlo and Ross Fleming invite you to create a small animation that can be loaded into the praxinoscope!

This challenge is open to everyone, and we encourage people of all ages to have a go. If you’ve got kids at home, could you all work together to create a submission? You should be able to create an animation with objects or materials around the house, this could be small drawings, photographs on your phone, a collage from old newspapers, finger puppets, objects in your kitchen having a dance.. we’d love to see them all!

This could be a great chance for kids to develop their creative skills, and make sure to send us your creations so you and your family can see how they look in the Praxinoscope.

View an example of Mark’s praxinoscope in action by clicking here.  

The praxinoscope is an animation device invented in France in 1877 by Charles-Émile Reynaud. A series of pictures placed around the inner surface of a spinning drum are reflected in mirrors fixed around a central column to create an animation for the viewer.

Technical Information

Images: 12 images in a cycle.

Format: Works should be made on paper or card of the exact size, 157mm wide x 130mm. high. The best results will be achieved if the animation within the frame, e.g. 120mm wide by 110mm high.

Due to the mirrors involved, any text will need to be mirrored to read (flip horizontally).

Download a template here as an example!

Submission

Please include this Praxinoscope Entry Form in your submission

Physical works can be sent to: Mark Zygadlo, Glenhead, Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0TR.

Digital works can be sent to: [email protected]

Visual Tips

• The quality of the animation depends on accurate registration of the imagery in the frame.
• The Praxinoscope Challenge is open to anyone! If you have never tried aniamation before, try something really simple such as a bouncing ball. 
• You can submit as many animations as you like.
• Original works will be accepted by they cannot be returned to the creator.

Need some help?

Animation Guidance: Contact Ross, available via Instagram by clicking here.

Praxinoscope Technical Info: [email protected] 

Inspiration and Ideas: Check out this YouTube video

Animations will be shown initially online via Instagram [@mirrorimages_animation]. At the end of Lockdown, The Stove and the Old Mill Gallery, Palnackie will host Grand Praxinoscope Viewings where you can see your animations created in person, alongside the presentation of the OSCARS for the most popular animations.