From Doodles to Pixels: Over a hundred years of Spanish animation

“From Doodles to Pixels” is a selection of the landmark works of Spanish animation of all times.

From Doodles to Pixels: Over One Hundred Years of Spanish Animation is a response to the desire to showcase a little-known history –that of Spanish animation cinema. Films like Chico & Rita (Javier Mariscal, Fernando Trueba y Tono Errando, 2010), Las aventuras de Tadeo Jones (Enrique Gato, 2012) or Pos Eso (Sam, 2014) have put Spanish animation on the international map, but these examples are just the tip of the iceberg of the talent and years of hard work involved in creating art and industry, in some cases against all the odds.

Curated by Carolina López, this series is the result of research, revision and recovery of historical material in dialogue with more recent works. From Doodles to Pixels is a coproduction of the CCCB (Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona) and AC/E (Acción Cultural Española) that brings together a selection of films animated using diverse techniques, from the early twentieth century to the present day. It features recurring themes such as links with the world of comic books, reflections of political concerns and relationship with the visual arts.

It’s a story with lots of gaps and isolated landmarks (Europe’s first animated color feature was Garbancito de la Mancha), dotted with forgotten works; for years, it seemed as though Spanish animation hardly existed. This program shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Great care has been taken to choose works representing each time period and trend, as well as highlighting Spain’s idiosyncrasy with all its cultural diversity.

Doodles & Modern Times

• On Saturday, April 1 at 2 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.
• At the National Gallery of Art, 6th & Constitution Ave NW.
• Free.

Destino Hollywood (and Beyond) & The Artist’s Trace

• On Saturday, April 8 at 2 pm and 4 pm respectively.
• At the National Gallery of Art, 6th & Constitution Ave NW.
• Free.

Under the Yoke & Humor and Carnage

• On Tuesday, April 18 at 6:45 pm.
• At the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, 2801 16th Street NW.
• Free, RSVP required.

Macián, The Maestro

• On Thursday, April 20 at 6:45 pm.
• At the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, 2801 16th Street NW.
• Free, RSVP required.

Next Generation

• On Saturday, April 22 at 12:30 pm.
• At the National Gallery of Art, 6th & Constitution Ave NW.
• Free.

Carolina López, curator and director of Xcèntric at the CCCB, will introduce the programs on Saturday, April 8, at the National Gallery of Art.