(program running time: 67 min., 16mm)

A pioneer of direct-to-film animation, New Zealand native Len Lye (1901–1980) used various tools to mark patterns, shapes, or images directly onto a film’s surface. Lye explored the dynamic energy of abstract images propelled into life by lively jazz scores or Pacific-inspired rhythms. The program includes TUSALAVA (1929); A COLOUR BOX (1935); KALEIDOSCOPE (1935); THE BIRTH OF A ROBOT (1936); RAINBOW DANCE (1936); TRADE TATTOO (1937); N. OR N.W. (1937); COLOUR FLIGHT (1938); SWINGING THE LAMBETH WALK (1939); MUSICAL POSTER #1 (1940); COLOR CRY (1952–3); TAL FARLOW (1950/1980); RHYTHM (1957); FREE RADICALS (1958/1979); PARTICLES IN SPACE (1957/1979). Members admitted free. This chronological survey of the artist’s career from 1929 to 1958 has been made possible by The New Zealand Film Archive, The Len Lye Foundation, and Anthology Film Archives.