Overview
Lucho Lopez is a wandering painter that strolls the city in search of the perfect angle for his painting. While he walks by the boulevards, suddenly he is lured by a view of an alley. He wonders it looks like a scenario, or an entrance to another reality. Certainly, Lucho Lopez is engaged by what he has seen, and prepares the work of the painting. Abruptly, Lucho Lopez is dazed by his painter’s suitcase, then he is quickly involved in a series of antics devised by a little Imp that seems to live inside an ink jar. In the meantime, Lucho becomes hungry, and he is fed by a cooker that works nearby. After the meal, Lucho Lopez fell asleep, and the little Imp frantically begins the painting instead. What happens next is a cascade of stories that take place in the canvas, or in the alley supposedly painted by the hand of the Imp or Lucho? The narrative of the canvas merges with the real scenario in a mysterious progression to finally ending in the snapshot of a frozen moment, when suddenly Lucho wake up, and celebrates the conclusion of the artwork. The story is based and inspired on the “Passage Du Commerce-Saint-André,” a chief masterpiece painted by Balthasar Klosowsky, Balthus. The story in this film is perhaps an invention, orchestrated as a whimsical buildup, but in the end attain an homage and admiration to this mysterious painting that has dazzled countless of visual artists, filmmakers, and creators.
Director Statement
Original story inspired by "Passage Du Commerce-Saint-André" painted in 1952-54 by Balthasar Klosowsky de Rola, Balthus.
This story is an appreciative homage to the immense and awe-inspiring work of Balthus. But, at the same time a mischievous but sincere rendition to imagine what is behind of the mystery and strangeness of his paintings.
Main character based on Luis Lopez Lemus, a heroic and dauntless painter from Aconcagua, Chile. He dedicated his entire life to capture the somehow mythical, and historical aspect of his homeland and countryside.
Easter egg, dedicated to "Mon Oncle."
The Alley promotional poster
Director Biography
Personal biography
Andres Montenegro is an animator, and Associate Professor of 3D computer animation, 3D modeling, at Purdue University. Fort Wayne. His work develops immersive environments using real time 3D animations while integrating Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality interactive animations. He has an extensive experience with software and hardware oriented toward the generation of different styles of rendered images using painting as the main source of research.
His personal work uses metaphors and symbolic narrative to assemble a conceptual language depicting cross-cultural references. His work of art begins in the 80´s regarding painting as the main vehicle of production, and experimentation being the framework for mixing language, aesthetics, and conceptual venues based on Art History as well. His digital work begins in 1990 with early experiences using 3D animation software. From 1983 – 2009 he presented one man shows and collective exhibitions in Chile, South America, Europe and the United States. He received his BFA in Art and Education from University of Chile in 1986, his MA from University of Playa Ancha Chile in 1996, and his MFA in Digital Arts from University Of Oregon in 2006 While he was studying there he was awarded the Clarice Krieg Scholarship, and University of Oregon Scholarship in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
His filmography includes:
“The Little Quest OF Petrovsky” short film produced after being awarded at Annecy 2013 “Carrefour De La Creation.” 2014.
“The Secret of The Lost Station.” 2013.
“El Paseo Imaginario” The Imaginary Promenade. 2002
Specifications
Project Type: 3D CGI Animation
Runtime: 8 minutes 57 seconds
Completion Date: April 15, 2020
Production Budget: 10,000
Country of Origin: United States/Chile
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Stills
