With each of their films receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects, it’s not surprising that the studio has been showcasing their artistic brilliance at the British Film Institute Southbank Gallery for the past two months. Their work was displayed from 12th August until October 1st so, in case you missed it, here is what it entailed:
The exhibit was easily accessible and open to the public, featuring interactive displays and behind-the-scenes videos. Audiences of all ages were able to experience animation in a whole new context. All five of their award-winning films were displayed as a homage to LAIKA’s consistent ability to cultivate uniquely captivating works of art.
With costume and prop displays, original sketches and notes, one particular feature stood out from the rest. From the wonderfully haunting Coraline, we were presented with the transition of the ‘other mother’. The original puppets were lined up next to each other showing the gradual transformation from mother to monster, and let me tell you, standing there in front of those button eyes was nothing short of terrifying. The out-of-this-world detail and meticulously crafted facial features had me feeling a nostalgic sense of child-like wonder and fright!
Truly, no one does nightmarish and beautiful like LAIKA, which is why I strongly suggest you look out for their next feature film, due to be released in 2025! Wildwood is the studios very first fantasy adventure, set in the studio’s hometown Portland, Oregon.
