The Evolution of the Flip Book: A Contemporary Take
In the realm of art and animation, the humble flip book has undergone a fascinating transformation. Once a 19th-century invention, it has now been reimagined by artist Soren Hope, who brings a unique perspective to this classic format. With her book, "Bite, Sip," published by New York Life Gallery, Hope explores the flip book's potential, infusing it with a sense of exploration and flux.
A Historical Perspective
The origins of the flip book can be traced back to the mid-19th century. Pierre-Hubert Desvignes, an engineer, architect, and artist, invented the folioscope, while John Barnes Linnett patented the kineograph in 1868. These early innovations laid the foundation for the flip book, a simple yet captivating form of animation. By stacking images in sequence, the pages create an optical illusion of movement when flipped through quickly.
Cracker Jack's Influence
In the early 20th century, the Cracker Jack company played a significant role in popularizing flip books. They included them as prizes in their product boxes, introducing this early form of animation to a wider audience. This marked a shift in the flip book's accessibility and appeal.
Soren Hope's Interpretation
Soren Hope's work, "Bite, Sip," takes the flip book concept and elevates it to a new level. The book is a sophisticated limited-edition art piece, printed in a format reminiscent of Cracker Jack boxes. The title, "Bite, Sip," hints at a sequence of actions and the act of consumption, reflecting the artist's exploration of density and diffusion.
Black Line Drawings and Abstract Figures
The book features a series of black line drawings on white fields, with marks that evolve from thick, dark lines to lighter lines, splotches, and dots. These marks create a sense of movement and transformation, as hands and mouths appear and shift across the page. The figures, though abstract, convey a sense of action and expression, inviting viewers to interpret their meaning.
A Satisfying Flip Experience
The book's design, crafted by writer/designer Claire Hungerford, enhances the flipping experience. The sturdy binding and clear layout make it a pleasure to turn the pages, creating a satisfying sensation akin to opening a clasp. This tactile engagement adds to the overall appeal of the book.
Unconventional Essay Placement
An essay by Jennifer Pranolo, titled "Un-Finitudes," is strategically placed in the middle of the book. This unconventional placement interrupts typical reading patterns, encouraging readers to pause and reflect. The essay doesn't dictate the viewer's experience but rather invites interpretation, blending discretion with a sense of mission.
Deconstructing the Flip Book
Hope's work challenges the traditional flip book format. Some drawings are placed on the 'wrong' side of the page, creating their own sequence, perhaps in reverse. This deconstruction invites viewers to consider the flip book's potential for abstraction and the experience of the flipper. It raises questions about the nature of coming together and coming apart.
Viewer Implication
The viewer becomes an active participant in this artistic journey. The experience of flipping through the book is a shared one, where the viewer's actions create a unique, personal connection with the artwork. The interplay between the flipper and the object being flipped becomes a dynamic, ever-changing interaction.
Soren Hope's Background
Soren Hope, a native of the South Fork, attended the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. Her current residence in New Haven, Connecticut, adds to the local flavor of her artistic exploration. Evan Harris, a writer and librarian from East Hampton, provides additional context to the story of the flip book's evolution.
In conclusion, Soren Hope's "Bite, Sip" offers a fresh perspective on the flip book, blending nostalgia with contemporary artistic expression. It invites viewers to explore the boundaries of this traditional form, challenging their perceptions and engaging their senses.
