Through a compendium of interdisciplinary and time-based means, my experimental work attempts to embrace the empathy, emotion and memory of the human condition.
James Barany is an experimental animator, integrated studio artist and Professor of First Year Experience at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). Barany is a former winner in experimental animation of the Mary Nohl Fellowship, Black Maria Film Festival, Transom, Athens International Film Festival, Humboldt International Film Festival and Wisconsin Film Festival. James also performs as a professional Bass-Baritone with the Florentine Opera Co. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Premiere / 2021 ARFF Amsterdam // International Awards Amsterdam
2021
Education
College
University of Milwaukee at Wisconsin
MFA: Drawing, Painting & Opera Theatre
1992 – 1997
College
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Drawing
1988 – 1992
Personal Details
Current City
Waukesha, WI
Trivia
When Barany was in graduate school he assisted Director Jonathan Demme during a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, their lengthy conversation about filmmaking and creativity is what prompted James to pursue experimental animation as a component of his career. James was also college roommates with Rob Schrab (Monster House, Robot Bastard and SCUD), and Thomas Muschitz (Gretel, Petty Cash, Alien Factor).
Barany a professionally trained Bass-Baritone performed in comprimario and chorus roles to help the Florentine Opera win two Grammy's for their performance of the American Opera -Elmer Gantry in '07.
James has brought in several significant guests to MIAD during his tenure including Animator Bill Plympton, Designer Chipp Kidd, Author Linda Weintraub and Screenwriter Rob Schrab and Animation Production Lead Jesse Bayliss (Former Dreamworks) as guest speakers where he is a Professor of First-Year Studio and New Studio Practice.
Quotes
"Always make the audience suffer as much as possible." ~ Alfred Hitchcock
"Art is the marriage of the conscious and unconscious." ~ Jean Cocteau
"Whoever wants to engage people’s interest must provoke them." ~ Salvador Dali
"The seeing, see very little." ~ Helen Keller
Through a compendium of interdisciplinary and time-based means, my experimental work attempts to embrace the empathy, emotion and memory of the human condition.