zoetropes
INTRODUCTION
The zoetrope (or its real name, the phenakistoscope) is an analog animation technique originating in early 1800’s, created by Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau and Austrian professor of practical geometry, Simon Stampfer. Its effectiveness as an animation is a result of the intervention of movement (rotation) plus some degree of light (either flashing or through slits in the disc), tricking your brain into interpreting the frames as a seamless moving image. Early phenakistoscopes are regarded as the first devices to create a fluid illusion of motion, the widespread use of which paved the way for the future of motion picture and cinema.
In the digital age, where moving image can be captured with cameras or created with digital software, applications of the modern zoetrope have found their place primarily in the music industry, as a way of animating traditional vinyl records- or enjoyed in the art world as fine art/design pieces.
HOW TO VIEW
The coolest thing about viewing your zoetrope vinyl is that you become an active participant in its animation process!
Check out this short video guide (plus FAQs below) which shows you how to get a stable moving image using either your phone camera or your naked eye:
Whilst this video guide was requested specifically by Public Service Broadcasting for the zoetrope vinyl of their fifth studio album, The Last Flight, the same methods can be applied to any zoetrope vinyl record or print.
FAQs
Do I need any specialist equipment to view my zoetrope?
Just your smartphone- most (if not all) smartphones will have the ability to record film at 30fps, or have a flash light to use as a strobe.
How do I use my phone light as a strobe?
You can install a free app on your smartphone- Strobe Light Tachometer from the Apple App Store or Strobily from Google Play Store- just set to 30HZ and hold over your spinning vinyl!
Why does it seem like my image is moving too quickly?
You may have the RPM of your record player on the wrong setting. Most zoetrope vinyls (including this PSB record) are designed to run at 33rpm. Those running at 45RPM or 78RPM (as my fine art prints often are) will be specified accordingly.
Why is my image blurry/not stabilising?
If you’re using your camera phone to view, you may not have enough light. Add an extra lamp, or a torch- the brighter the better.
Your exposure may also be too high- press anywhere in the middle of your phone screen until you see a square with a little sun. Slide down the scale to decrease the exposure until your image becomes clear.
If you’re using a strobe to view your zoetrope with the naked eye, your environment might not be dark enough. Close your curtains or move to a darker room for the strobe to be effective.