Submitted Images Sasho Danylenko, still from TNMK - The History of Ukraine in 5 Minutes, 2020, cutout stop-motion animated film

“Independent Motion: Twelve Animated Films from Around the World,” will be the opening exhibition for the 2022-23 season for the Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

“Independent Motion” is an original exhibition coordinated by the Marion Art Gallery and curated by Yvonne Grzenkowicz, the founder and executive director of Animation Nights New York (ANNY). It opens Aug. 30 and runs through Oct. 9. Meet the artists (virtually) and curator (in-person) at a reception on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6 to 9 pm. Prior to the reception, Grzenkowicz will present an illustrated talk about the exhibition in McEwen Hall 209 at 4 p.m.

The lecture, exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

“In every style and medium, successful animation brings together motion, clarity, timing, and design to create the illusion of life. It can entertain, inform, and even inspire us to consider our own place in the universe,” Grzenkowicz said. “Animation is about the study of humanity as much as it is a study of technique. It is about both observation and keyframe. These twelve animated pieces each contain moments of reflection on elements of the human condition while simultaneously sweeping us away with artistry.”

The exhibition features 2D, 3D, stop-motion and virtual reality animated films by: Remus Buznea and Kyriaki Kyriakou (United Kingdom), Igor Coric (Serbia), Sashko Danylenko (Ukraine/United States), Nelson Fernandes (Portugal/Spain), Carol Freeman (Ireland), Matisse Gonzalez (Bolivia/Germany), Emily Hubley (United States), Bas Jansen (Netherlands), Joe Loftus (Ireland), Carol Silverman (United States), Rory Waudby-Tolley (United Kingdom), and Jie Weng (China).

All of these artists have participated in Animation Nights New York (ANNY), a curated monthly screening event and annual festival in New York City which presents animated short films, virtual reality animation experiences, and games from around the world.

Grzenkowicz is a New York City-based animator and interactive designer with experience in short film, feature film, advertising, music videos, digital publishing, video games, live visuals, and interactive websites. She has extensive training in character animation and a background in fine art.

Grzenkowicz is also the co-owner of “Animation for Adults,” a US/UK based podcast and website for animation aficionados. She attended the University of Georgia and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston for painting and drawing.

“Independent Motion: Twelve Animated Films from Around the World” is generously supported by the Fredonia College Foundation’s Carnahan-Jackson Humanities Fund, the Cathy and Jesse Marion Endowment Fund, and the Carl J. Nordell Endowment Fund. A publication is available free of charge at the Marion Art Gallery. To request a publication or to schedule a group tour, contact Marion Art Gallery Director Barbara R–cker at barbara.racker@fredonia.edu or 716-673-4897.

The Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery is located on the main level of Rockefeller Arts Center on the Fredonia campus at 280 Central Avenue. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibition is open regular hours during fall break.