Jon Dunleavy’s film ‘Two Gracious Uncles Smooched to the Beat’ has been nominated in the Wildcard category. Jon is the course leader for BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects.
Two Gracious Uncles Smooched to the Beat is a philosophical debate on the legitimacy of art created by A.I. tools, as told through the medium of silliness. It discusses to what extent A.I. can produce new ideas, and if it can capture the genuine inventiveness that we celebrate in man-made artworks.
A nomination from the British Animation Awards is another recognition for the film after it spent much of 2023 touring in the best of the international animation festival circuit. It was shown in the WTF category at Annecy Animation Festival in France, in New York and Germany for the Pictoplasma Contemporary Character Design Conference and was selected at festivals including London International Animation Festival and Bitbang International Festival of Animation.
The film was supported by Norwich University of the Arts’ research programme. Dr Phil Archer, who is part of the University’s technical staff, produced and designed the sound for the film.
Jon Dunleavy, course leader for BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Animation and VFX said about the film:
‘It’s fantastic to hear an audience’s audible response to the film’s unusual rhythms. I purposely played with structure and form, both revealing and playing against stereotypical story beats (The famous Hero’s Journey is referenced throughout the film). A nomination for the BAA is the icing on the cake and I am proud that this weird, heartfelt and deeply contemplative film has connected with so many.
I made the film in January 2023, when generative art creation tools were fast gaining pace in the industry. The only use of generative art is the last (terrible) image in the film of Hobbits playing football. This is an example of the silly prompts many of us played with when exploring early incarnations of generative art tools like DALL-E.
Upon further investigation around the unethical processes these generators utilise and a very intelligent and exciting debate held by students and staff at Norwich University of the Arts, it become clear that generative art was generating some fear amongst some, but I heard and felt the passion that had ignited inside our students and staff teams. The debate, for me, revealed how the adventure of making art is as important to all of us as the final outcome.
I learn so much from our students and colleagues and the sprit of art is alive and kicking in our creative campus.’
The British Animation Awards celebrate everything that is great about the animation industry in the UK. The ceremony takes place every two years, supporting, promoting and crediting the very best of the past couple of year’s productions.
To find out more about Jon Dunleavy’s work, take a look at his website.
Research •
A groundbreaking new exhibition, Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings, created in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, will open at The Fitzrovia Chapel on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Read more about Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication •
Cassie Muskett has been selected for the Chaos Design Bursary Award. She secured a two-week paid internship, along with a generous £800 bursary. We spoke to Cassie about her internship experience.
Read more about In conversation with Cassie Muskett, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Institution •
After dedicating his career to higher education in the creative arts, Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, has announced his decision to retire in 12 months time.
Read more about Retirement Announcement: Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr
BA Animation and Visual Effects •
Staff and graduates’ work features in two-part special exploring the secrets of the Ice Age.
Read more about Norwich graduates’ work to premiere in new Channel 5 series Ice Age: Apocalypse
BA (Hons) Textile Design student shares her journey of incorporating AI into her creative process
Read more about Embracing AI in Textile Design: A journey of creativity and collaboration
Professor Hilary Carlisle recently took part in the ELIA Biennial Conference 2024 in Milan
Read more about Norwich joins global conversation on creativity at ELIA Biennial 2024
BA Games Art and Design •
Norwich University of the Arts students had another successful year at Sync The City 2024
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Students Shine at Sync The City 2024
BA (Hons) Illustration •
Alice reflects on her recent residency at Moosey Art Gallery
Read more about In conversation with: Alice Lee, BA (Hons) Illustration lecturer
Alumni •
Two graduates have been named winners in Arts Thread Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024.
Read more about Norwich Graduates announced winners in Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024
BA Architecture •
The prestigious event will take place at our Duke Street Riverside and Duke Street buildings.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts to Host AHRA 21st International Conference in 2024
Institution •
The conference centred on the theme "New Dimensions: Imagining Beyond Horizon"
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Strengthens Global Ties at ICADE 2024
Norwich University of the Arts is excited to present Mechanism, a site-specific kinetic installation
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts Unveils ‘Mechanism’
BA (Hons) Animation •
Lucien talks to us about her practice, influences and advice for future students at Norwich.
Read more about In conversation with: Lucien Kelman, BA (Hons) Animation
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication •
Sam discusses what it's like to study BA (Hons) Graphic Communication at Norwich.
Read more about In conversation with: Sam Butler, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Institution •
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with the London School of Design and Marketing (LSDM)
BA (Hons) Architecture •
Tracey Lin talks to us about what it's like to study BA (Hons) Architecture at Norwich
Read more about In conversation with: Tracey Lin, BA (Hons) Architecture student