By Briony Wright
Vice: What was New Zealand like in the 20s when Len Lye started experimenting with film and art?
Roger:
So he was a bit of a creative anomaly?
A still from Rainbow Dance (1936) That sounds like a great, hedonistic mantra. Did he go to art school?
You recently made a film about a “breakthrough” moment that Len had. Can you tell us about that?
Frame enlargement from Peanut Vendor (1933) What were some of the techniques he pioneered?
Oh yeah, those films look amazing—like they’re alive almost.
Six frames from Tusalava (1929) That’s a pretty big claim to fame for a guy from Christchurch.
What were some of the other films that Len made?
A Colour Box, Kaleidoscope Colour Flight Rainbow Dance Trade Tattoo Free Radicals Particles in Space A still from Birth of the Robot (1935).All photos courtesy of the Len Lye Foundation and the New Zealand Film Archive. I’ve read something about Len taking mescalin with his wife and friend and while they were tripping balls, Len was just fine. Was this a regular thing?
East Village Other What were some of the negative reactions to Len’s work?
Swinging the Lambeth Walk That’s hard to imagine now.
Roger:
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A still from Rainbow Dance (1936) That sounds like a great, hedonistic mantra. Did he go to art school?
You recently made a film about a “breakthrough” moment that Len had. Can you tell us about that?
Frame enlargement from Peanut Vendor (1933) What were some of the techniques he pioneered?
Oh yeah, those films look amazing—like they’re alive almost.
Six frames from Tusalava (1929) That’s a pretty big claim to fame for a guy from Christchurch.
What were some of the other films that Len made?
A Colour Box, Kaleidoscope Colour Flight Rainbow Dance Trade Tattoo Free Radicals Particles in Space A still from Birth of the Robot (1935).All photos courtesy of the Len Lye Foundation and the New Zealand Film Archive. I’ve read something about Len taking mescalin with his wife and friend and while they were tripping balls, Len was just fine. Was this a regular thing?
East Village Other What were some of the negative reactions to Len’s work?
Swinging the Lambeth Walk That’s hard to imagine now.
