Kayla Harlow

studio art // @yuzuvee_

Escape
"Escape" is a 2D animation. The main subject of this animation is me, depicted physically as a rotoscoped animation, and depicted mentally as a stylized, cel-shaded representation. The main idea that I am trying to communicate is how low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression can feed into a coping mechanism known as escapism, or even maladaptive daydreaming. The narrative follows my daily life in a moment where I daydream and escape the physical world and shift into a mental world. The figure that prompts my turn to escapism by bumping into me and yelling at me for it is the driving force of the conflict, represented by realistic movements created through rotoscoping. One of my original characters pushes the somber tone into something more lighthearted and hopeful, by providing comfort and reassurance. This character is one that is represented by stylized, cel-shaded animation. The shift of animation techniques and styles feeds into the theme of dissociation and escapism. I personally deal with low self-esteem and have a habit of indulging in escapism, so I want to connect with and encourage others who do too, to say that they’re not alone and that it’s normal, though likely a symptom of neurodivergence or mental health conditions, which are also common and not something to be ashamed of. While complete reliance on coping mechanisms is not healthy, some occasional indulgence is not necessarily unhealthy.