Narrative and Non-narrative Structures

Traditionaly, films are structured - they have a narrative. Not all films however, follow this. Narratively structured films have a clear beggining, middle and end. Despite what people may think, experimental films do not always follow a non-narrative structure. "Doll Face" by Andy Huang for example, has a clear narrative. There is a beggining (robot extending from box), a middle (the robot manipulating it's physical appearance) and an end (the robot breaking). Non-narratively structured films do not have a clear structure, and are generally more complex. An example of this type of structure is seen below, in the video "Gothic Surrealism" by stop motion animation artist Jamie Dean.

Stop Frame Animation

Stop frame animation is an animation technique. The object in the frame is manipulated a little in each photograph. The photograph's are then put together in sequence to give the appearance of motion. The animation to the left is an example of stop frame animation. A two pence (sterling) is moved strategically across the table.

It is best to use a tripod for stop frame animation. This makes the resulting sequence look much more smooth and natural. Notice how the angle of view is a bit shaky in the above example. This is because a tripod was not utilized.

Using stop frame animation, I created the below example. The subject is seen buying a beverage from a vending machine. The subject then drinks the beverage. To save time, the subject was only photographed until he took a sip from the can. This was then reversed and repeated to give the effect of multiple sips from the can, without actually having the subject do so.

Audience and Audience Interpretation

The way in which an audience interprets a work of art can completely change it's meaning. For example, a box of tissues could bring about many different interpretations if viewed as a piece of art. One viewer could associate cleanliness with the tissues, whereas another could associate crying. This completely changes the way we look at and think about the image. This is the meaning of art. Once the art piece has left the artist, it's up to the viewer to interperet the art how they wish. Good conceptual art should connect with the viewer somehow, meaning not everyone will be drawn to it like other people who will make a real connection with the art.