The Artists

A collection of artists from within the Nexus family contributed to this project, shaping each looping animation to their taste and design sensibilities. Contributors include directing collectives Shynola and Factory Fifteen, Hannah Lau-Walker, Kapi Kurtaran and Coup de Foudre, alongside Art Director Callum Strachan and 2D Animation Lead, Beth Levy, whose work has helped shape some of Nexus’ best-known projects. Each microfilm showcases a different animated technique and directorial edge: a love letter to the art of animation.

Viewers encounter a sailboat carried by the wind, the kaleidoscopic reflections of taillights in rain, and a playful construction resembling a cross between a Rubik’s Cube and a pinball machine. Elsewhere, birdwatching, woodland scenes and a soaring 3D papercraft journey offer different ways into the same measured rhythm.

Each artist took a different approach when creating their bespoke films, some leaning into their own mindfulness practices to inspire the visuals, whilst others proceeded with a design-led focus. The result: an immersive gallery, diverse in their appearance yet united in their form, grounded always by the metronomic 4-second rhythm that ties it all together. Further films to be added as the exhibition develops.

The Music

The orphic soundtrack, created by acclaimed producers James Ford and Alex Lavery as FRQNCYLDN, accompanies each animation. After training in Naad Yoga, the music of FRQNCYLDN is based on principles of sound meditation where particular tones and overtones take a listener into a state of relaxation. This coupled with the box breathing technique, makes the two approaches to relaxation different but intertwined and complementary over time. FRQNCYLDN is out now on Prah Recordings.