Artists' Present
Retrospective: Barry Purves
Even after decades of exploring digital possibilities, puppet master Purves remains true to the analogue medium – with his skills sharpened to the max. Although often labelled controversial, his work is primarily known for its drama, passion and elegance, as well as its lush visuals. Purves has worked in significant films such as “Mars Attacks!” and “King Kong” and was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at Annecy.
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Additional Information
In the presence of: Barry Purves
Curated and moderated by: Erik van Drunen
Language: English
Films
The rich oeuvre of puppet master Barry Purves fits perfectly into the current stop motion revival. Despite decades of exploring digital possibilities and “liberating the puppets”, as he once called it, he remains true to the analogue medium with skills sharpened to the max and with the conviction that a good animator can generate complex performances from even the simplest of puppets. “Even a discarded object has, in the right hands, a story to tell. The basic requirements are that the character can show a thought process and won’t fall to pieces,” he explained in an interview with Stop Motion Magazine (#20). Purves’ background and love for all forms of theatre, drama, mythology and the male body – which is explicitly shown in his work – inform his exuberant, queer, fairy tale and fever dream-like, sometimes dark universes. Moreover, he has worked on well-known films such as Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks!” and Peter Jackson’s “King Kong”. His internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning films have sometimes been labelled theatrical and controversial, but are nonetheless praised and recognised for their passion, elegance and lush visuals. In addition, Purves has shared his expertise on stop motion animation in several recognised books, and was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at Annecy.
Next
Shakespeare, alone on stage, performs his complete works as if his life depended on it. It does. Direction Barry Purves Duration 5' Language English Country United Kingdom Year 1989
Screen Play
An old Japanese man brings memories of his passionate youth to life. On a revolving stage with constantly changing screens, the story of a forbidden love unfolds. Direction Barry Purves Duration 11' Language English Country United Kingdom Year 1992
Achilles
The Trojan War of ancient Greece began as a campaign of revenge after Queen Helen’s abduction. At the centre of this puppet animation, however, is the passionate relationship between the famous warrior Achilles and his companion Patroclus, which takes a dramatic course during the war. Direction Barry Purves Duration 11' Language English Country United Kingdom Year 1995
Plume
A winged naked man falls out of the sky, damaging his wings. As he tries to mend them and fly again, three shadowy figures emerge from the darkness. A violent confrontation follows, finally offering some hope for a new, but different life. Direction Barry Purves Duration 14' Language English Country France Year 2011 Age rating 18+
Tchaikovsky - An Elegy
Standing alone in an elegant room, a famous Russian composer reflects on the significant encounters of his life as well as his musical achievements. A myriad of sights and sounds finally leaves him satisfied with his fate. Direction Barry Purves Duration 13' Language English Country Russia Year 2011