"A fascinating review of Burton's artistic career, the exhibition focuses on his evolution as both director and concept artist for live-action and animated films, in addition to his work as an artist, illustrator, photographer and writer. Tracing Burton's creative history chronologically—from his earliest childhood drawings through his mature work in film—the survey unites over 700 examples of rarely or never-before-seen drawings, paintings, photographs, notes, storyboards, moving-image works, puppets, costumes, and other cinematic ephemera, as well as an extensive film series spanning Burton's 27-year career."
Which themes stand out most consistently?
"The dynamic, ongoing relationship between childhood and adulthood and the saving grace of creative activity seem to be his most comprehensive themes. Motifs include a creature-based notion of character, masks and armor, body modification, and the Carnivalesque."
