Tape Art Films

Local artist Michael Townsend is best known for creating temporary murals and installation pieces using an assortment of colored masking tape. Townsend’s keen eye and dramatic spirit have impressed many people. He and fellow Tape Art collaborators work with school groups, psychiatric facilities and hospitals to create powerful scenes that engage the public in the performance of making art and enliven the site where they are created.

PCFF is proud to have him in our festival this year with three of his films: “Woodpecker,” “Rash of Robberies” and “Ocean Riser.” Each film utilizes stop-motion animation with an assortment of materials and techniques.

Woodpecker (2008)

A Tape Art animation created at the Worcester Art Museum, this public art work was created in 24 hours. All drawing, video editing and sound was executed in that time frame.

Rash of Robberies (2008)

In this video, created for the band State Radio, the Tape Artists use stop-motion animation and a variety of materials – tape, wood cut-outs, digital imagery and real fire – to tell the story of a loving couple’s final moments. Directed by Sam White.

Ocean Riser (2010)

This is a tale of a young woman, Laia, who is tempted by “vanity, self indulgence and da club.” Along the way some of her peers succumb to these temptations while she tries to maintain self control. The actors are all participants in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act programs run by the city in summer 2009. This was a collective project with a diverse group of teenagers from all over Providence involved in

All aspects of creating this film including the cinematography, making props and designing the credits .