Encounter

Encounter is Maria Lassnig’s first traditional hand-drawn animated film. Her process involved altering original drawings and setting them into motion, which Lassnig referred to in her writings as “ensoulment.” two anthropomorphized figures, one friendly and the other menacing, happen upon one another. At first recoiling in fear, the innocent figure eventually risks leaping forwards to explore the other. As the sense of danger dissipates, this act of courage is rewarded as both figures unite in harmony. Many of Lassnig’s artworks and writings closely examine the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, especially intimate ones, and Encounter directly addresses the trepidations, braveries, disappointments, and ecstasies...