Within the framework of the scholarship-programme “Artist-in-Residence”, funded by the MuseumsQuartier Vienna and quartier21, Polish filmmaker and artist Joanna Polak will be a guest at the VIS Independent Shorts in May and June.

Joanna Polak (* 1978) studied visual arts at the Maria-Curie-Skłodowska-University in Lublin and later completed her studies in animation films at the Art Academy in Poznań. Animated films form the main focus of her artistic work, since 1998 she has made over twenty animated short films. Polak mostly uses the “Computer Silhouette” technique, which combines classic silhouette-animations with 2D-computer-animations.

Her films have been shown at over fifty international festivals and have also won numerous prizes, e.g. in Krakow and Philadelphia. Alongside her work as a filmmaker, she is also active in the fields of photography, painting and video installations. Furthermore she also works at the Maria-Curie-Skłodowska-University as a lecturer for animation film.

Within the scope of its animation night, VIS Vienna Independent Shorts will show a selection of her artistic body of work. Furthermore, Joanna Polak will appear as a “live-drawer” during the animation night in the foyer of the Top Kino, where she will deliver insight into the technique of silhouette-animation. She will also prepare an installation at the MuseumsQuartier.

In cooperation with the Polish Cultural Institute in Vienna.