The Art of Aardman – Shaun the Sheep and Friends
From the very first pencil sketch to the finished cinema film — and everything in between — after this exhibition, you will never look at clay animation the same way again.
Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit and many others: the creations of Aardman Studios have enchanted audiences of all ages for decades and were on display at Forum Groningen from 19 September 2020 through 29 August 2021. Take an extraordinary journey past original sketches, handmade clay models, elaborate sets, and complete film stages, and discover how your favorite Aardman character was brought to life and how the award-winning films were created with great love, craftsmanship, and dedication.
What was there to see and do?
You could stroll among Wallace’s wacky inventions and more than 50 authentic film sets, including Gromit’s famous vegetable garden, the streets from Shaun the Sheep Movie, the flying machine from Chicken Run, and the spectacular five-meter-high ship from The Pirates! Band of Misfits.
Handmade models, original sketches, character studies, storyboards, and production models were all on display — including gems such as the very first drawings of Wallace & Gromit and the rocket from A Grand Day Out. You could watch clips selected from more than 60 short films and feature productions, imaginative commercials, and music videos.
The Art of Aardman – Shaun the Sheep and Friends was a spectacular outing for the whole family, animation enthusiasts, and art lovers alike, featuring pieces that highlight the incredible craftsmanship, humor, and artistry of Aardman Studios.
The exhibition was created by the French museum Art Ludique, in close collaboration with the award-winning creators and producers of the internationally acclaimed Aardman studio from Bristol.
