2021-04-07
Sarah Chen
Design Dispatch, New York
Animator Alex Khabbazi is pushing the boundaries of digital animation by utilizing unconventional analogue tools to create unique, hand-crafted textures and effects. By combining traditional methods with modern software, Khabbazi achieves a distinctive, organic look that adds depth and visual interest to their animations.
In an era dominated by digital technology, one Brighton-based visual artist is embracing the tactile qualities of traditional analogue tools to create mesmerizing animations. Alex Khabbazi's latest creative endeavour has seen him experimenting with a range of unusual materials and machinery, from wool to receipt print reels.
By combining his passion for illustrative graphic prints with his love of analogue processes, Khabbazi is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animation. His use of a knitting machine, for example, produces intricate and detailed textures that add an extra layer of depth to his work. "Analogue process obsessed" is more than just a motto for Khabbazi - it's a way of life.
From the tactile click-clack of a typewriter keys to the soft whir of a spinning reel, every detail in Khabbazi's animations is carefully crafted to create an immersive experience. His use of analogue materials and machinery allows him to tap into the imperfections and quirks of traditional processes, resulting in a unique aesthetic that is both nostalgic and futuristic. By embracing the unpredictability of analogue animation, Khabbazi is creating a new language of visual storytelling that is as engaging as it is innovative.
By venturing into the uncharted territory of analogue animation, Khabbazi is not only expanding his creative horizons but also challenging our perceptions of what animation can be. As he continues to experiment with new materials and techniques, one thing is clear: the future of animation has never looked more tactile, or tantalizingly uncertain.