The Happiest Place on Earth
Garrett Baumgartner | 1 min, DV | Calgary
A bored old man, with a single red balloon in his hand, sleepily watches as his prize attempts a hasty escape in Garrett Baumgartner’s animated trip to the circus. The Happiest Place on Earth continues the proud tradition of other Canadian cult animated films such as Marv Newland’s Bambi Meets Godzilla; the kinds of films that offer blunt, devastating critiques on contemporary society and pop culture in an extraordinarily short amount of time with climaxes that leave us somewhat shaken and giddy. And, finally gives an outlet for renegade animators like Baumgartner to examine the seemingly trivial subject matter left untouched by institutionalized animation studios like the NFB.
Born and raised in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Garrett now calls Calgary his home as he works to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Currently enrolled in his 3rd year in the Media Arts and Digital Technologies program, he find his interests as an artist growing everyday, especially in the field of new and experimental mediums, especially in animation: a unique medium that lends itself well to personal experimentation. He prefers to utilize humour in a more subversive context as a means to challenge the viewer’s connotations. Whether it is sculpture, drawing or animation, he seeks a connection with the audience in his work and hopefully leaving a memorable experience in the process.