The Never-ending Flipbook Machines

How do we perceive the illusion of motion? And what can we learn about nature through the art of animation?
These are at the core of Queens-based artist JC Fontanive’s kinetic, never-ending flipbook machines. The machines allow a viewer to watch birds and butterflies in never-ending flight, inviting us to really study how these fast-fluttering creatures move in nature.
The flipbook machines in his Ornithology and Vivarium series were inspired by the early days of film and animation, 18th-19th century natural history illustrations, and Victorian clocks. They also explore how machines (and our eyes) can create a fluid illusion of movement. These moving sculptures invite the viewer to experience the images themselves, their patterns of movement, and the behavior of the machine all at once.
“The tangible nature of physics and ideas of air resistance, friction, gravity, and the function and form of the work are very much entwined,” he says.

[@saravanandilip7907]

There are so many hidden gems videos in KZbin

[@eb7713]

Wow! Wow! Wow! I am a graphic designer and love stop motion stuff. I made flip books from index cards in high school but these are just soooooo beautiful and over the top! I'm going to look up more of your work soon! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! 🥰🤗😍

[@a.harrington1634]

The hummingbird changing species every frame is just... Wow.

[@candaceporth3373]

Heard you on Science Friday. Lovely.

[@gordonwong2260]

very cool devices

[@jeffreywilke1858]

They have these at my local museum and I love them. I gotta try and buy one eventually

[@franciscogrart]

I want to buy one! These would make great gifts if one were to replace the drawings with creations of your own