Toon Age Moments

A NEW EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE KZNSA ON TUESDAY 11 MARCH 2008
EXHIBITIONS CLOSE 30 MARCH 2008

The KZNSA is pleased to announce that its two upcoming exhibitions will show a selection of star students from two of Durban’s prestigious institutions of learning: the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design (CFAD). The participating artists were selected according to their academic excellence, technical mastery and conceptual depth. Collectively they represent the cream of the crop of mature students from the two schools, and give an indication of the future of South African fine art and animation production.

TOON AGE MOMENTS: Animation Projects by Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design showcases the animation projects completed by CFAD. Social satire, observation and commentary are key to many of these works. Taxi, by lead animators Zayne Nakamura and Ryan Janse Van Rensburg, deals with Durban public transport. Birds relates to environmental issues. Also on view is an animated 3D robot created by Chris De Jaager.

The majority of animation projects and assignments completed at the private art school are industry-based, with students having created award-winning clips for Life-Line, the World Wildlife Fund, Childline and a range of HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns.

CFAD was established in 1994 by Nanda Soobben to provide previously disadvantaged students with access to the latest computer, animation and design technology and has, since then, developed into a contemporary, thriving art school where a system of mentorship is used as the educational methodology. CFAD works closely with the Parsons School of Design in New York, the San Francisco Art Institute, the University of California and the National Institute of Design (NID) in India. The centre’s close relationship with the design and printing industries, and with the education sector, allows students to participate and contribute to “live” projects. CFAD’s Academic Director, Krish Moodley said,”This is the first for Durban. This exhibition proves that this city has the animators and resources to produce high quality short form and long form animation.”