As animation technology becomes more accessible, its adoption by traditional illustrators is inevitable. From advanced programs like Maya to GIF-generating websites like makeagif, it is becoming more and more plausible to see your artwork come to life.
So is the case with German artist Raphaëlle Martin, who recently made a spark on the internet with his GIFS of iconic surrealist paintings by René Magritte. Until recently, Martin’s portfolio had boasted colorful playful works somewhat reminiscent of modern artist John Baldessari.
Martin happened to be playing with animating his own work (above) when he came upon the idea of animating the well known works of others. He recently told Artnet “I’ve thought a lot about which other artist’s works I could use, but there really is none that inspire me as much as Magritte does. I think almost every single one of his paintings just would make a great GIF.” Finally baguettes are able to soar through the sky (The Golden Legend, Bread Clouds, 1972) and tiny suited men are no longer frozen in time (Golconda, 1953).
Though Martin’s original work is not to be overlooked, one can’t help but wonder what would happen if he gave the GIF treatment to the works of Salvador Dalí or Max Ernst. Click here to see the rest of his portfolio and buy prints.
Like this artist? Check out our article on fellow emerging illustrator, Laura Breiling, or other artist interviews and highlights.
