MASK's groundbreaking Transformation/Mabadiliko at University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

In 2015, eight winners of the MASK Awards 2015 (across various age categories) from Kenya collaborated virtually with six animation graduates from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Rochester, UK, on an innovative project titled ‘Transformation/Mabadiliko’, transforming seven traditional artworks —including paintings, drawings and installations—into dynamic animations, shifting the focus from static art to interactive, immersive learning experiences.

Each animator created a short animation based on one of the original works and the interactions with the artists. To facilitate communication between the artists, a blog was set up at www.caamask.blogspot.co.uk (please explore it), enabling the original creators and animators to explore the artworks together, decide on the direction of the animations, and document the creative process behind each piece.

‘Transformation/Mabadiliko’ demonstrates the potential of:

• Contemporary art to create immersive learning experiences
• The transformative role of ICT in creative education
• Cross-continental collaboration via online platforms

MASK Director Alla Tkachuk explained: "Digital technologies, including 2D and 3D animation, represent not only the future of contemporary art but, when integrated with fine art and embedded within creative education, provide a potent catalyst for enhancing the creative potential of the younger generation."

One of the participating artists Edwin Wainaina said: "Working on this project opened for me the whole new reality, art became a whole new concept! Brilliant!"

UCA's Computer Animation course leader, Phil Gomm, added: “Computer Animation Arts has a reputation for exciting collaborative work and using computer animation technology in surprising ways to enrich and vivify other creative disciplines. Our work with MASK continues that tradition, as our graduates collaborate closely with the  Kenyan artists to bring their award-winning artworks to life.”

The resulting works—including extracts from blogs, original artworks, and newly created animations—were exhibited at Zandra Rhodes Gallery, UCA, Rochester, in March 2016, with the launch event hosted by UCA Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr.

The animations were also shown at the Michael Joseph Art Centre, Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016; Saatchi Gallery, London, UK, in 2017; and Turner Contemporary, Margate, UK, in 2018. The exhibition at Saatchi Gallery featured an interactive iPad experience, curated by UCA's MA Curatorial Practice students.

Participating artists:

• MASK artists (Kenya): Churchill Ongere, 22; Fahima Munene, 11; Edwin Wainaina, 18; Samson Lazima Jali, 18; Louis Tamlyn, 18; Paula Karanja, 19; Alan Kiptoo, 4; Shela Foster, 9.
• UCA animators: Emily Clarkson, Steven Payne, Samantha Niemczyk, Ethan Shilling, Vikki Kerslake, Nat Urwin.

Art

Exhibition