Studio Ghibli
Fleischer Studios
Hanna Barbera
Eadward Muybridge
Lumière Brothers
Stan Brakhage
Len Lye
William Kentridge
Christian Boltanski
Kara Walker
Tracing the history of animation over the last 150 years, Watch Me Move: The Animation Show brings together for the first time, over one hundred films by contemporary artists, cut-out, collage, puppet, clay and stop-motion animators, auteur filmmakers and exponents of experimental film alongside the creative output of the commercial studios.
In 1911, American cartoonist and animator, Winsor McCay prefaced his short film Little Nemo with the invitation to ‘Watch Me Move’, introducing a cast of colourful characters in a playful promenade. A century later, animation is one of the most popular and prevalent of visual art forms.
Tracing the history of animation over the last 150 years, Watch Me Move: The Animation Show brings together for the first time, over one hundred films by contemporary artists, cut-out, collage, puppet, clay and stop-motion animators, auteur filmmakers and exponents of experimental film alongside the creative output of the commercial studios.
Popular favourites by Walt Disney, Aardman, Studio Ghibli and Pixar, shown alongside lesser known pioneering works by cult figures such as Lotte Reiniger, Ray Harryhausen , Jan Švankmajer and the Brothers Quay. Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, The Hulk and The Simpsons are explored alongside the heroes of Japanese anime and manga.
Presenting animation as a distinctive and highly influential force in the development of visual culture, Watch Me Move offers a timely insight into animation as a cultural and socio-political phenomenon and will delight visitors of all ages.
Artists, film-makers and studios whose work is represented also include: Studio Ghibli, Fleischer Studios, Hanna-Barbera, Eadward Muybridge, Lumière Brothers, Stan Brakhage, Len Lye, William Kentridge, Christian Boltanski and Kara Walker amongst others.
Special Family Viewing
Early morning family viewing of Watch Me Move, every Saturday from 10am, plus a special "How to Look at Films trail".
Please be advised that certain films in this exhibition contain scenes of an adult nature. Parental guidance is advised.
Watch Me Move Events
To complement the exhibition, Barbican Art Gallery is open late till 10pm every Thu, with a dynamic line up of gallery talks, events, master classes and film screenings, all inspired by the exhibition. Click here to view full line up of events
Watch Me Move – On The Big Screen
Barbican Film’s summer of animation continues, exploring the work of some of the world’s most influential animators and showcasing brand new films from around the globe.
Media Relations
Leonora Thomson - Head of Communications 02073827089 leonora.thomson@barbican.org.uk
Ann Berni - Media Relations Manager Visual Arts 020 73827169 ann.berni@barbican.org.uk
Barbican Art Gallery
Time: Open daily 11am-8pm (except Wed until 6pm and Sat 10am-8pm)
Thu until 10pm
Special Family Viewing
Early morning family viewing of Watch Me Move, every Saturday from 10am
Tickets: Standard £10 online/£12 on the door
Concessions £7 online/£8 on the door
Secondary school (groups of ten or more) £6
Under 12s free