The Artistic Brilliance of Animation: The Medium that Deserves More Respect

Animation, an art form that has captivated millions around the globe, is much more than just 'moving cartoons'. It is a creative medium, rich in history and diversity, that often doesn't get the acknowledgment it so rightfully deserves. While many of us enjoy the whimsical characters and imaginative worlds, we fail to see the depth, cultural significance, and mastery behind them.

The Dual Recognition of Art

Artistic appreciation often operates on two distinct levels. There's the overt recognition where masterpieces are consciously labeled as art - think the Mona Lisa or The Starry Night. Then there's the covert recognition, where the artistic value is inherently understood due to its profound cultural impact and inherent creativity – such as video games. These platforms bring narratives, graphics, and user experiences that move many, even if they're not traditionally housed in a museum.

Animation's Underrepresentation

Despite its immense contribution to the world of art, animation is often sidelined. The perception of cartoons and animations as mere 'child's play' is not only outdated but a gross oversimplification of the talent and skill behind it. An astonishing majority of these animations are tailored for adult audiences, yet a mere fraction gains mainstream recognition. The list of movies recommended for viewers often skews towards well-known giants like Disney, overlooking masterpieces from countries with a rich animation history like France or Japan.

The misrepresentation extends to award ceremonies. Animated features rarely step into the limelight for best picture nominations, confined to their 'animation' category, sidelining them from cinematic appreciation.

Animation: More than Just a 'Genre'

The pigeonholing of animation as a 'genre' rather than a medium restricts its true potential. Movies that use both live-action and animation are conveniently labeled based on their target demographic, often discrediting the animators behind them.

The Ripple Effect: The Stereotype's Impact on Other Mediums

This stereotype of 'childlike cartoons' casts shadows over other art forms. Mature video games with cartoonish graphics are met with skepticism, and comics with a whimsical style are diminished despite their brilliant storytelling. Even platforms like Reddit, which house communities for virtually all interests, reflect this disparity in the number of subscribers in animation-centric subreddits compared to other art forms.

Animation, in all its forms, from traditional hand-drawn sequences to cutting-edge digital renderings, is an art form worthy of respect and appreciation. Beyond Disney and renowned anime, there are countless animations shaping culture, pushing boundaries, and showcasing unparalleled creativity.

It's high time we transcend outdated views and recognize animation for what it truly is – a medium of artistic expression that holds a mirror to society, evokes emotions, and inspires generations.