The Animated Weird of Christiane Cegavske

The animated work of Christiane Cegavske remains little known in weird circles, but it should be. Perhaps this is because she has produced few horror animations to date. Yet, what she has put onto film, as well as into books and sculptures, could fill an abyss with meaning, wonder, and fear. This American contemporary has garnered the greatest attention for two works: a short film entitled "Blood and Sunflowers" and a longer movie called "Blood Tea and Red String." The first appeared as early as 1992 on the Sun Dance Channel, while "Blood Tea and Red String" is a more recent creation that still makes the rounds at film festivals.

The viewer already acquainted with other facets of weird fiction and cinema will be nearly bowled over by the themes alive in her work. Puppets, blood, anthropomorphic animals, and strange creatures combine in a whirlwind of incredible oddity. Her "Blood Tea and Red String" is a silent movie that follows the struggles of a community of mice and oak dwelling creatures over a special doll. The whole thing flows like a beautiful, but deranged fairy tale. All in all, the unique animations, grim themes, and unfettered imagination wrapped up in this movie form an atmosphere that is very well covered by the Weird.

Don't take my word for it, though. The demi-god of the internet that is Youtube provides a nice sampling of Cegavske's work. Below, the full version of "Blood and Sunflowers," and a trailer for "Blood Tea and Red String" is under that. Her official artist's website is well worth checking out as well, for further information about her animations and dark content in photos of other projects.





-Grim Blogger