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Through the Animated Lens of Graphic/Narratives

Presenter:

· Madhuja Mukherjee Jadavpur University (Kolkata, India)

Timeslot:

07/27 | 15:50-16:10 UTC+2/CEST

Abstract

This paper tackles the complex dialogue between inter-media art practices and adaptation of a well-known literary text. By referencing my on-going project, which involves creation of a graphic novel and scripting for a stop-motion animation film, I wish highlight the complicated processes of adapting the classic Bengali text namely ‘Ludhak’ (2006), written by the celebrated Bengali author Nabarun Bhattacharya. I wish to develop an analytical map as I not only adapt the plot of the science-fiction novel (about dogs being persecuted by humans) but, also engage in a series of transferences. First, while the original text is in Bangla, both the film and the graphic-novel are in English. Therefore, more important, within this frame is the problem of translation, as well as concerns regarding reinventing the text as image (especially in the context of graphic visualisations). Secondly, to complicate the matter further, one may underline the fact that, graphic-novels as a genre persist on the borderline between novel and visual arts. Hence, I ask – is this a literary adaptation of a literary text, or digital imaging of literary codes? Likewise, ‘animation’ films thrive on the fringe of multiple genres, and thus, scripting for such narratives entail a range of assimilation and appropriation. Finally, focusing on the questions of intertextuality and specifically on intermediality, I enquire into the function of adapting ‘Lubdhak’ into ‘The Dog Star', an “E” graphic novel, and to ‘Transformer Room’ (2018, 8 mins.), a stop-motion animation as well as a ‘model’ animation film.