to Andrea & Josep
This is an interactive drawing where a hole reveals a spinning zoetrope. By controlling speed and light, real animation becomes visible through stroboscopic flashes—no need for digital support, just a battery.
(This video is a visual representation due the to the mismatch between the camera frame rate and flashing rate)
Interaction
The control interface:
-Power switch — activates the 7.4V battery and lights a green pilot LED.
-Potentiometer — controls the rpm of the zoetrope (animation only reaches the 24 fps when maxed out).
-Stroboscopic — activates or deactivates the LED flashes.
Artistic construction
The main drawing and a cut-out frame that isolates the animation, with embossing of two pear trees.
The animation frames were created through rotoscoping, using real motion as reference. The poses were printed and later shaded in pencil.
Animation logic
This is the rotoscoping of all the poses of the sequential cycle in order (1, 2, 3…). Little did i know i would have a spacing/timing issue…
The original frame sequence required the strobe light to flash extremely fast, making the light appear dim, constant and washing out the animation.
By flashing the light less frequently and rearranging the frame order (flash each 3 frames), images become visible with enough contrast and timing.
Electronic parts
Left. Back of the drawing with all the leds that light the animation.
Right. Back of the framed drawing with a clean version of the electronics and proper soldering.
- Arduino Nano
- Pilot LED
- Power switch
- Potentiometer
- Stroboscopic LEDS switch
- Transistor
- Holes for the stroboscopic LEDS wiring
- Hole for the IR sensor wiring
- DC motor (with silicone isolation to reduce vibration noise)
- 7.4V lithium battery
I seek counseling. I want to make a bigger and more complex zoetrope. Truth is, the funcionality of this one isn’t solid and the main reason is having to rely on the IR sensor to command lights (it’s not very precise and malfunctions randomly). Using a sensor is a mistake i won’t repeat. PLEASE if you have experience with making zoetropes with stroboscopic lights DM through instagram.