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Don't Sit Back and Stay Quiet
Marlene Binder
DON'T SIT BACK AND STAY QUIET highlights the overwhelming normalization of street harassment and the way this daily power struggle between men and women is often overlooked. We are so desensitized to the notion of street harassment that we barely flinch. The message of the project is to incite protest – a backlash – to this normalization. Specifically, the animation speaks about the experience of street harassment. The lonely voice of a woman telling her tale is one of the lived isolation and confinement which street harassment instills. Men accepting the impertinence of sexualized and violent spatial invasion leads to further ostracization and diminishment of women. Regardless, the voices of women are stronger now than ever before, with little stopping these voices from growing louder. This animation is a call-to-action for those women who use their voices and for those who do not do so yet. "Pure power play" the voice at the end of the animation claims, but for how long?
Marlene Binder
I am a German/American illustrator based in Berlin and London. My work includes animation, illustration, and communication design. I have moved through several creative fields and have enjoyed experimenting and developing a process in both illustrative and animated work. I look forward to engaging with more artists on a collaborative level to produce more fun and socially conscious work in the future.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Working creatively at an animation studio that allows skills to flourish and grow naturally. Either to be working as an Animator or Artistic Director.
What is a good design for you?
Even though I don't always uphold this standard myself: simplicity. This is something my professor taught me a few years back and is something I remind myself of when creating my own work. “Less is more.” – Prof. Volker Schlecht
What was the most challenging experience during your studies?
Having several courses at a time with deadlines all within a week of each other was difficult, especially when there were deadlines for projects I felt less passionately about. But the point is to find purpose in every project and at least try to make something out of each one that you can be proud of.
Who or what inspires you?
There are certain illustration and animation styles that I find really comforting - bright colors, clean lines, and playful compositions such as the work of Studio Muti or lilfuchs (Adult Swim). Well-defined texturing, high contrasts, and a somewhat cartoony vibe are definitely my go-to's.
How do you approach a new project?
I can't start a project without understanding the story first. My work is more literal and less abstract, and so finding a characteristically unique way to represent a story is something I find both fun and challenging.
What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?
To take as many opportunities from your own course as well as others. Take advantage of all the different avenues you can try in order to inform your own work and interests.
Why did you choose to study in your programme?
I knew that my ultimate goal would be animation, but I needed the confidence and understanding of illustrative techniques to support this, and so decided that this program would be a great fit.
How are you going to celebrate your graduation?
Well, it's all online, so ... Prosecco at home?
9 comments in total
Simple, clean and clear are what I see and love!! Good job!!!
Love it!
Look at what you've accomplished! Clean, direct, and persuasive animation work. Keep it up!
You did it girl !!! What a great and very needed project !! I love that it shows different stories and nationalities and is very beautiful even though its such a serious topic!! Congrats 🎉
A very heavy topic, but I honestly believe this is a discussion we need to keep having. I think you did an amazing job of showing the lived reality of most (if not all) women around the globe and really put things into perspective. Love your project, Marlene <3
This piece is incredible. Thank you for shedding light on such a pervasive issue, and for giving women a platform to be rightfully enraged. I want to see more of this!
This animation is incredibly powerful. Thank you for shedding light on such a pervasive issue, and for giving women a platform to be rightfully enraged. I want to see more of this!
Great project and animation <3 congratulation + cheers
congrats on this amazing animation and the important concept you highlight! I'm inspired by your passion and hope you keep going. I'll be looking out for you xoxox