4UPA Films as Case Studies for a Simplified Visual Language in Animation in the 1940s and 1950s
UPA was the first to break out of traditional forms. We don’t hide the fact that our characters are drawn. If we want a door or chair, we pop it in when we need it, and take it off when we don’t. We’ve developed a simplified form—simple in attitude, poses and minimum movement.
Robert Cannon1
As a graphic cinematic medium, animation is a relatively young art form. It arrived at that synthesis of minimalism and reductionism typical of the 20th century later than all the other visual arts but was firmly situated in that trend, nonetheless, finding special affinity with and inspiration from graphic design. UPA animated shorts were ahead of the game, ...
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