Pixar: 20 years of Animation

To make the imagined world believable on the screen. This was the key idea that struck me when I visited the exhibiition Pixar: 20 Years of Animation, at the Singapore Science Centre. "The exhibition features over 300 sketches, paintings, sculptures and storyboards, going behind the scenes to reveal how much Pixar's much-loved characters and worlds are brought to life."

Held at Singapore Science Centre, The Annexe, this exhibition runs from 2 Apr 2010 to 27 Jun 2010. The exhibition focuses on the development of the art behind the animated films produced by Pixar Animation Studios. These films include Toy Story, Monsters, Inc, Ratatouille, The Incredibles and Finding Nemo.

Being not a movie-lover, I realised that I have only watched two of the animation films by Pixar Animation Studios, namely Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Fellow blogger, Eastcoastlife, whom I visited the exhibition with, helped fill me in about the Pixar's other animated films. There seems to be something extraordinay about Pixar Animation Studios' animated films in that it wins the heart of audience of all ages.

In this exhibition, visitors can also expect to have an appreciation of the history and production processes of the Pixar Animation Studios. One of the galleries treats visitors to five of the earlier short films produced by the Studio. One of these short films include the well-known Luxo Jr. I have also gained an appreciation of the vision of John Lasseter, who is the chief creative officer at Pixar.

There are interactive kiosks which allow visitors to meet some of the artists from Pixar Animation Studios via the computer touch-screen. Other than the interactive kiosk, I recommend that visitors check out the Toy Story Zoetrope which is simply fascinating. I was simply fascinated by the technology behind this device.

Visitors who visit this exhibition with the idea of visiting an art exhibition are likely to love the many brilliantly well-done masterpieces and artworks that are showcased in the exhibition. I marvelled at the well-drawn lines of the artworks and the colourful colourscripts. Furthermore, visitors could get the chance to watch the 3D movies created by Pixar Animation Studios (limited showtimes).

There is comparatively less emphasis on the technology behind the art in this exhibition. As such, visitors who are hoping for hands-on experience of part of the production processes may find the exhibition itself a little disappointing. Nevertheless, there are a number of educational programmes and animation programmes available for group bookings to entice animation-lovers (for students). There will be also be Pixar Master Classes and Talks available from 18 to 20 May 2010 for animation-lovers of all ages. For more information, please visit http://www.pixar.com.sg.

Pixar: 20 Years of Animation, Singapore
2 Apr - 27 Jun 2010
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 60981
http://www.pixar.com.sg
Admission prices: Adult: $24, Child (3- 16 years): $19
(includes admission to Science Centre and 3D movie, limited showtimes, subject to availability.)

***
Footnote: Many thanks to the Singapore Science Centre, and to Eastcoastlife, for allowing me to have participate in the Blogger’s Day Out at Pixar: 20 Years of Animation Exhibition‏.