Early Abstractions (1946-57)
Short animations by HARRY SMITH
‘Harry Everett Smith (29 May 1923, Portland, Oregon – 27 November 1991, New York City) was an American archivist, ethnomusicologist, student of anthropology, record collector, experimental filmmaker, artist, bohemian and mystic. Smith is a well-known figure in several fields. People who know him as a filmmaker often do not know of his 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music, while folk music enthusiasts often do not know he was « the greatest living magician » according to Kenneth Anger’ – WIKI
- Film Number 1 – A Strange Dream (ca. 1946-48) color; hand-painted 35mm stock photographed in 16mm; soundtrack: « Manteca » by the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra; 2:20 min.
- Film Number 2 – Message from the Sun (ca. 1946-48) color; hand-painted 35mm stock photographed in 16mm; soundtrack unknown; 2:15 min.
- Film Number 3 – Interwoven (ca. 1947-49) color; hand-painted 35mm photographed in 16mm; soundtrack: « Guarachi Guaro » by the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra; 3:20 min. (reportedly edited down from ca. 30:00 min.) (Part1
- Film Number 4 – Fast Track (ca. 1949) color (shot of painting depicting the recording « Manteca » by the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra) and black & white (superimposition experiment); 16mm; silent; 2:16 min.
- Film Number 5 – Circular Tensions (Homage to Oskar Fischinger) (ca. 1950) color; 16mm; silent; 2:30 min.
- Film Number 7 – Color Study (ca. 1950-51) color; 16mm; silent; 5:25 min.
- Film Number 10 – Mirror Animations (ca. 1957) color; 16mm; soundtrack unknown; 3:35 min.