For those willing to embrace the journey, experimental animation offers a path to boundless artistic expression — redefining what animation can be and challenging us all to see the moving image in a new light.
In experimental animation there is no script — the process itself leads. Accidents become discoveries, unexpected colours and textures turn into surprises. Every work bears the mark of its maker — a direct glimpse into their thoughts and emotions.
The course instructor, Tiina Madisson, is a filmmaker and visual artist with eight years of experience teaching experimental film and animation at educational institutions, museums, and art institutions.
We offer four two-day workshops (8 hours each). No prior experience needed — only curiosity and a willingness to explore.
1. Sand Animation
Sand is moved and shaped on a backlit or frontlit sheet of glass to create each frame of an animated film. An intimate, meditative technique that turns light and material into pure movement. Each workshop begins with a screening — discovering the masters of the technique, such as the films of Caroline Leaf.
2. Paint on Glass Animation
Slow-drying oil paints are applied and manipulated directly on glass to build each frame. A fluid, painterly approach where every image emerges — and dissolves — in real time. Each workshop begins with a screening — discovering the masters of the technique, such as the films of Aleksander Petrov.
3. Collage Animation
Animation built from cut paper, newspaper clippings, and photographs. A tactile, playful technique with a rich history in avant-garde and political art. Each workshop begins with a screening — discovering the masters of the technique, such as the films of Larry Jordan.
4. Automatic Animation
A technique developed by Tiina Madisson, rooted in the tradition of automatic drawing — from Paul Klee and Hilma af Klint to the Indian Navarasa theory, where emotions are the very source of art. Participants draw or paint freely and unconsciously, and from these images an animation takes shape. The result is always a surprise — and always unmistakably the maker’s own. Each workshop begins with a screening — discovering the masters of the technique, such as the films of Jordan Belson.
Workshops are held in Finnish and English.
For more information: madissontiina@gmail.com · +358 41 742 3945