Lilli Carré is an LA-based interdisciplinary artist, with her focus on experimental animation, print, and ceramic sculpture.
During her time as a student in Chicago, Lilli Carré was deeply involved in the local comics and zine scene. She created numerous projects that used traditional techniques such as printmaking. The physical materials would generate interesting textures with a degree of uncertainty.
Over time, Lilli started exploring 3D modeling and animation softwares such as Maya, where she moved her work into the digital world. Just like working with physical materials, Lilli prefers to work with limitations and challenges, which is why she started creating soon after learning the basics of Maya. There is always a sense of the unknown and unexpected that can lead to pleasant discoveries as she works on a project.
In her animation short "Jill", Lilli interacts with the virtual character Jill she created from a standard model of a female 3D human body. Through direct commands such as "raise your right leg" and "don't look at me", Lilli forms a special bond with Jill, who rarely ever follows the commands correctly. The interactions are scripted cleverly and with a great sense of humor, making the audience aware that Jill exists in a virtual world. For example, when Lilli commands Jill to raise both legs, Jill ends up floating in the air because there is no gravity in that scene. Jill in a way stands for Lilli herself, as her virtual avatar, which displays the concept of communicating with oneself.
Lilli's art delves into many themes, but a common thread includes her interest in the breakdown and reconstruction of the human body and the cartoon/animated body, as well as virtual representation and avatars. Her inspiration can be found in early cartoons, such as Fleischer's films and "Gertie the Dinosaur". All of these ideas can be found in "Jill", which is why I think this piece is a strong representation of her work.
Another of Lilli's projects I enjoyed was "Glazing", a 2D animation that features a woman thrown around a confined space and transforming into nude women figures from famous paintings throughout Western art history, such as "Grande Odalisque", "Olympia", "Luncheon on the Grass", etc. This film explores how women's bodies has been viewed in a gallery or museum setting, which was where the film was first exhibited. I felt the energy and power through the fast-paced, exaggerated movements and the forceful thumps in the soundtrack. The figure was brought to life, along with all the historic art icons.