Ethan Davis, class of 2025

Animation has long been a powerful cultural staple in Western media, shaping childhoods, inspiring artists, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Yet, in today’s American entertainment industry, corporate practices increasingly threaten its artistic integrity. Stories are unnecessarily censored, traditional animation is replaced by cheaper alternatives, and passionate creators struggle against network executive decisions that prioritize marketability over creativity.

My work explores the impact of these industry shifts, using familiar animated characters and concepts to reflect on what is being lost. Through expressive, colorful, and dynamic illustrations, I reimagine beloved cartoons in new scenarios - some playful, some unsettling - to highlight the contrast between artistic vision and corporate control.

By showcasing both nostalgia and reinvention, I invite viewers to consider what animation means to them and what is at stake if its integrity continues to be compromised. Animation is more than just entertainment; it is an art form worth preserving.