“Jazz to Jackboots” – Animation Filtering for Controlled Artistic Expression
Research Team
Jason Hunter
Spencer Idenouye
Kevin Santos
Emerson Chan
Valentina Bachkarova
Partners
Art of Time Ensemble
Allison Walsh
Mobilize Seed
Impact
- Technology exploration for artists.
- Motion Capture
- Animation Filtering
Investigating the impact of ideological censorship on artistic expression through animation and performance
The “Animation Filtering for Controlled Artistic Expression” project, also known as “Jazz to Jackboots,” is a short film exploring the impact of censorship on artistic expression, drawing inspiration from historical dance band regulations under the Nazi regime. The project used innovative technology to manipulate animation and choreography, visually representing how historical restrictions strip the music of its vibrant qualities.
Why Efficient Data Collection Matters for Solar Blinds
This project explores the profound effects of totalitarian and ideological censorship on artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from Josef Skvorecky’s historical accounts of strict dance band regulations in Nazi Germany, the project set out to answer a critical question: What happens to the spirit of music and the community it inspires when expression is controlled? These historical edicts sought to constrain expressive jazz elements, stripping the music of its improvisational, joyful, and vibrant qualities. The project challenges audiences to consider the effects of censorship on artistic expression and its impact on individual and community well-being. It highlights the stark contrast between unrestricted artistic expression and a performance modified by oppressive regulations, inviting reflection on music’s ability to influence emotional states
How Mobile and AR Technology Streamlined the Process
The research methodology began by reviewing the specific rules and regulations and setting up parameters to apply them to a chosen piece of music. The primary technique involved exploring the manipulation of animation data to create movement restrictions that visually matched the stifling regulations. This included outlining anticipated animation adjustments and forming hypotheses. The process involved Motion Capture of dance choreography.
Subsequently, initial processing and alterations were performed, testing the proposed methods on the captured data. The project also involved Pipeline Development to determine the most effective practices and document the overall workflow. The researchers at SIRT, contributed expertise in the capture, processing, and delivery of industry-level performance capture data, along with experience in workflow development and pipeline optimization. Softwares tested included Stable Diffusion and ComfyUI. While the partner, Art of Time Ensemble, provided Creative Direction to ensure cohesion between the audio constraints and visual representation.
The “Jazz to Jackboots” Film – a Message on Artistic Freedom
The final outcome of the project is a short film titled “Jazz to Jackboots”. This film utilizes innovative digital tools to vividly demonstrate how ideological restrictions transform a vivacious, sensual dance and music piece into something more stilted, mechanical, and lifeless over time. The key result is a visually engaged piece that clearly demonstrates the emotional and communal cost of censorship and explores the arts’ contribution to
well-being in democratic societies. Expected outcomes included generating new knowledge anticipated to be contributed to the field, expertise, or technology.
The Art of Time Ensemble plans to apply these findings related to audience connection/disassociation with artistic expression for future performances. The film will be disseminated through film festivals and used in public and educational screenings. The project has resulted in economic and social benefits. Knowledge generated has benefited postsecondary institutions (students, researchers) and not-for-profits.
Beyond the film itself, the project developed an optimized pipeline for post-production processing, demonstrating innovative use of technology for artistic expression. Links to published materials and media will be provided once the film screens at festivals.