Karen’s husband, Ken Field, has graciously donated an amazing piece of art from her amazing film “Kakania“. This will definitely be a popular item so save your pennies now! If you missed ASIFA-East’s Tribute to Karen Aqua this past October, take a look at Tristian Goik’s summary here.
Article by Tristian Goik. I still find it difficult to wrap my head around a world where you might be lucky to have one opportunity a year to see multiple animated films. This is what Linda Simensky (V.P. of Children’s Programming at PBS) described at the Karen Aqua retrospective and Q&A, held by ASIFA-East on October 11th. She coveted her attendances of The International Tournée of Animation, where she would get to see about 20 animations, and since the 1980s, Karen Aqua almost always submitted one film. In this extremely new age of YouTube, these facts are hard to swallow, and after watching about 12 Aqua animations in a row I was exhausted by the devastatingly elegant displays of talent and art. The screening covered Aqua’s work from 1982 to the present. They were divided up into three sections and introduced by the three panelists: Ken Fields (her husband and musician) introduced her early work, Frank Mouris (independent animator and long time friend) introduced some pieces about rural/urban environments, and finally Linda Simensky introduced Aqua’s last films before her death. Debra Solomon (independent animator), also organized the event and made opening remarks. At the end, there was a photo...
ASIFA-East paid tribute last night to animation great Karen Aqua, who passed away this past May. ASIFA-East Board Member Deb Solomon coordinated the event and the films were introduced by Karen’s husband, Ken Field, PBS’s Linda Simensky, and Oscar winner Frank Mouris – like everyone in the audience, all fans of Aqua’s work. Karen’s films are so unique that they are hard to classify but are inherently accessible. She is bold and committed (Frank calls her “brave”) in her “story” choices, her colours, lines, and shapes, the sound elements, and in her confidence in the viewer’s willingness to come along down the non-linear path and enjoy the ride. Linda claims that Karen’s films are “easy on her mind,” perhaps a rare statement for a library that would most likely be found in the “experimental” section. Thirty seconds into Vis-á-Vis I knew exactly what she meant. Karen was a gifted “anim-morpher,” and according to Ken, segments tapping this skill were her favourite to animate. It’s in those moments, and in her animated dancing sequences, where the lighter and sunnier side of her is apparent. “Taxonomy” is a great example of her morphing talents and “Perpetual Motion“ and “Kakania” of her...
ASIFA-East invites you to a retrospective evening of films by Karen Aqua (1954-2011). Tuesday, October 11, 7pm at SVA Hosted by her husband and creative partner, Ken Field, Debra Solomon, with Linda Simensky, Vice President of children’s programming for PBS. Karen Aqua’s innovative films occupy a unique place in the world of independent and experimental animation, and have screened worldwide at festivals in Europe, Asia, North/South America, and New Zealand. ASIFA-East presents a variety of her award-winning films, from earlier projects to her final piece, including including a selection of animated segments she produced and animated for Sesame Street. Created from exceptionally refined and colorful drawings, Aqua’s style is also characterized by compelling subject matter, exploring the human condition through themes of culture and transformation. Aqua stated, “I strive to create films which are more poetry then prose, making visible the invisible.” This screening pays tribute to Karen, who passed away in May 2011. Admission: Free! SVA School Of Visual Arts 209 East 23rd Street map (Bet. 2nd & 3rd Ave) 3rd Fl, Amphitheater NYC www.schoolofvisualarts.edu
