Three dimensional computer animation has evolved over the years to the point that characters appear too real with very detailed textures and lighting in both video games and movies. Computer animation has also focused on the intricacies of facial expressions based on human emotional responses. We know how three dimensional characters feel by how they express through facial gestures just like an actual person, this brings about a more empathic and interactive response towards virtual characters.

I see a form of artistry in emulating human emotions through technology, it’s always been our challenge to make the artificial as close to our human behavior as much as possible and we continue to do so. Three dimensional computer animation is definitely being studied and applied to continue the advancement of this concept of human/computer interactive relationship. What about two dimensional technology? Have we moved away from it? I for one do see some artistic potential in it and as well as some basic applications for mobile technology and tablet technology.

During my research I happened to come across a site with four illustrations of women, you select one of the characters and she displays a human emotion while the others turn to her, very fluid animation. The new media art is called e-motions and it was designed by Tânia Falcão, the multimedia designer for the Portuguese new media agency, Pixel. The animation was done using Adobe Flash. According to the synopsis of e-motions:

Animation is an art form which brings to life imagination, creates illusions and mimic actions.

Through this form of expression, based in motion, is possible to give to sensations and feelings showing the physical reactions and facial expressions.

The goal is to present emotions and sensations through the expressions of drawing and 2D digital animation technology.

This is a perfect example of how much more interactive possibilities there are for 2D animation technology especially with new media art and mobile technology. What other examples of interactive technology do you see 2D animation being applied to?

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