The Elephant's Garden

Background This animation is a response to and contributes to the genre of psychedelic animation. It displays influences from the work of George Dunning (Yellow Submarine) and Bruno Bozzetto (Allegro Non Troppo). The research of the genre by the artist is a contemporary homage or reinterpretation of the 1960's genre of psychedelic animation. Having been exhibited and awarded as such a work it establishes itself as an important record of that genre in the contemporary context. In fact it's clear retrogressive position is the beginnings perhaps of a resurgence of that genre. Contribution This work continues the practice based research of Mark Lycette in the collaboration with students and production of animated digital works exploring the questions; How are previous genre reinterpreted for new audiences and does it indeed have an audience? Does this reinterpretation form a new genre or is it homage? How are younger artists engaging with past genre in their work? The work also signifies a change in his career path as it is the first Production credit that has achieved significant success. Significance International and local audiences and peer reviewers have identified this work and its exploration of genre as significant. The judges at the Annecy festival awarded the work the Anima-J College Award at Annecy 2014: "A collection of moments from a psychedelic wilderness, each exploring the role of death in a thriving ecosystem." (http://www.annecy.org/annecy-2014/festival/programmes/index:film-20140735) The selection panel at Melbourne International Animation Festival 2014 chose the work for the Australian Showcase: "A glimpse into a uniquely psychedelic Garden Of Eden - evolution's (very) alternative universe." (http://www.miaf.net/2014/aus.html) Mark Lycette is credited as the Producer of this work.