Oniko - オニコ

I’m dying to, but if I told you what Oniko means in Japanese, that would probably set off the spoiler alert sirens! So, I won’t – I will just urge you instead to watch Oniko, a collaborative group project by Masters of Animation and Visualisation 2025 students at the UTS Animal Logic Academy in Sydney, Australia.  Don’t look up why it’s called the Animal Logic Academy – I’ve done it for you.  It isn’t a bizarre veterinarian college with a quirky little animation wing added on at the back. It’s named after the famous Australian animation and VFX studio Animal Logic, which partnered with the University of Technology Sydney to create the academy.  So, now on to the animation - and it is rare to see such an exquisitely crafted piece from a professional animation studio, let alone from a group of students.  I suspect that might sound a little patronising, which I don't mean in any way - I can only give the highest praise for this exceptional piece of art.

It opens with a young high-born woman fleeing a palace in Edo-period Japan, carrying her infant son in a sling.  She escapes through the snowbound landscape as seemingly supernatural samurai pursue her through the darkness.  When there seems to be no escape for her something inexplicable happens that will change her life – and that of her baby – forever.  Developed by the student cohort through all its stages of development and production, Oniko will leave you on the edge of your seat to the very end.  Already, commenters on YouTube are calling for a sequel of for this to be developed into a full animated movie.  I can only say that I agree with them!

Cover Your Eyes, Children! Here Comes Lange Wapper

If you happen to pass by the historic medieval fortress of Het Steen in Antwerp, Belgium the chances are very likely you will come across a statue.  A real double-take statue. Or even a triple-take statue.  However many times you eyes are drawn to it, this is one statue that demands your attention. Created in 1963 by Belgium sculptor Alber Poets, the sculpture represents a legendary figure in Flemish folklore, the crafty and mischievous giant called Long Whopper.  Sorry, Lange Wapper.  Dubious translations aside, he is certainly a big boy.

The Lonely Godess

This is both sad and sweet at the same time. The lonely moon goddess waits patiently for her love, the god of the sun. However, they can never be together and her life is spent weeping tears which turn in to stars. Yet they do come together at one special time but for how long?

This animation was created by Pamela Suryadjaja who is an art student and part time student. It was created for her thesis project at Binus University. It's a lovely piece of work and bodes well for her future career.  I love the artwork and her use of color.

Binus University (also known as Bina Nusantara) is an university in Jakarta, Indonesia. The university's primary field of study is in information technology - it was formed in 1974.

The Lonely Goddess

This is both sad and sweet at the same time. The lonely moon goddess waits patiently for her love, the god of the sun. However, they can never be together and her life is spent weeping tears which turn in to stars. Yet they do come together at one special time but for how long?

This animation was created by Pamela Suryadjaja who is an art student and part time student. It was created for her thesis project at Binus University. It's a lovely piece of work and bodes well for her future career.  I love the artwork and her use of color.

Binus University (also known as Bina Nusantara) is an university in Jakarta, Indonesia. The university's primary field of study is in information technology - it was formed in 1974.