Emma Allen’s Ruby is a mesmerizing exploration of rebirth and the cyclical nature of life. The video uses painstaking stop-motion animation to bring the concept of reincarnation to life. Every frame is carefully composed, revealing the time and effort Allen poured into creating this hypnotic narrative. Unlike traditional animation, Ruby exists in the physical and tactile realm, with each movement and expression captured meticulously to create a fluid yet deliberate rhythm.
Illustrating the Self
What makes this project so intimate is Allen’s choice to use her own face as the canvas. Layer upon layer of illustrations appear and disappear, morphing into new forms and motifs as if her identity itself is constantly evolving. Each transformation feels purposeful and deeply symbolic, exploring themes of impermanence, continuity, and self-reflection. The facial illustrations range from abstract shapes to more figurative forms, and the transitions between them are surprisingly smooth for such a labor-intensive medium. Watching the video feels like witnessing a personal diary being drawn in real time, where each stroke carries both artistic and emotional weight.
Beauty in Process
The painstaking nature of stop-motion is central to the impact of Ruby. Each second requires hours of work, and this labor-intensive process mirrors the slow, deliberate nature of life and transformation. Allen’s dedication to her craft is visible in every frame, emphasizing that beauty often lies not only in the final image but also in the process of creation itself. The result is both meditative and visually striking, a reminder that art can explore philosophical concepts while remaining deeply personal.
Takeaways
Ruby is more than a video; it is a meditation on life, identity, and artistic perseverance. By combining meticulous stop-motion techniques with self-illustration, Emma Allen creates a deeply human and contemplative work. The video encourages viewers to reflect on the fleeting yet persistent nature of existence, all while celebrating the beauty of transformation and the resilience of the self.
Credits
Artist: Emma Allen
Title: Ruby
Medium: Stop-motion animation, illustration
Focus: Reincarnation, self-expression
“An animated self-portrait exploring the idea of rebirth and illustrating the transfer of energy from one incarnation to another. I painted this stop frame animation on myself over 5 days, using some face paints, a mirror and a camera.”
Ruby from Emma Allen on Vimeo.
