David Lebrun: Looking Back, Moving Forward—Program 2: Animation (1976–2004)

MoMI welcomes filmmaker David Lebrun for a retrospective of his work from 1966 to today. For nearly six decades, Lebrun has illustrated unique histories with a singular vision informed through his lived experience and achieved with precise technique. Lebrun’s work, which encompasses a variety of genres from experimental animation to documentary, is informed by his background in anthropology, as well as his interest in psychedelia, spirituality, and philosophy. Lebrun invites us to look at the past with curiosity and wonder while imagining possibilities for a shared tomorrow. The series will be presented chronologically across three separate programs. 

Program 2: Animation (1976–2004) 

Program Two presents two exciting works of animation, including Lebrun’s celebrated Tanka, a cyclical journey through the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Total running time: approx. 69 mins. Featuring comments by David Lebrun between the films.

Tanka, 1976, 9 mins. 16mm-to-HD 

Proteus, 2004, 60 mins. 35mm 
Proteus is a kaleidoscopic exploration of the life and work of Ernst Haeckel, a 19th-century biologist known for merging art, science, and philosophy. Assembled from archival footage, animated sequences, and interviews with experts, Proteus delves into Haeckel’s groundbreaking efforts in the fields of biology, evolution, and embryology. The film weaves Haeckel’s meticulous illustrations of marine organisms and his pioneering work in categorizing and visualizing microscopic lifeforms, inviting contemplation of the complexities of the natural world and the human quest for understanding.

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. 

Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.