This special film programme represents the history of avant-garde film and animation as closely entwined. It brings together several rarely-screened 16mm prints (from a collection donated to the curators) which span early abstract films through to raucous cartoons, the earliest of which date from the 1920s. Alongside these historical films, the programme also includes works by three contemporary filmmakers. All of these unique artists’ films explore form and rhythm, line and texture, in structured and expressionistic ways, through exuberant and surprising means.

Greyscale, Simon Payne (2025, video, B&W, sound, 3min)

Noisy Tracks and Treads, Vicky Smith (2012–26, 16mm, B&W, sound, 4 min)