The lost paracosmist

The lost paracosmist is an animated short film by multimedia artist Josephina van de Water. Using digital photography, printed celluloid film, paint, digital scans, video montage, cardboard and extreme patience, she brings a fictitious world to life in fascinating detail. The film was made in the traditional, time-consuming way that requires particular dedication, with each frame individually hand coloured as was done in the first colour movies.⁠
⁠
The imaginary island of Paperland is inhabited by a colourful collection of talking animals. Josephina van de Water wrote and narrated the dialogue, giving each animal its own voice, tone and place in her universe. The chronicle guides us through a logical, yet fictitious, tale, in which we learn about Paperland’s geography, history, language, culture and religion. ⁠
⁠
As in every good fable, imagination is closely accompanied by reflection. While The lost paracosmist focuses on the irresistible charms of storytelling, it also warns the audience to beware of stories. They have the power to contort our perception of the world and disturb our relationship with reality.⁠
⁠
The endearing cardboard animals in their warm, glowing colours, and the gentle, motherly voice of the narrator, are reminiscent of children’s programmes. However, the topics covered in this allegory are anything but childish: territorial disputes, political and religious authority and mechanisms of exclusion and esteem all make an appearance, allowing inequality and frustration to creep into this seemingly safe cosmos. ⁠
⁠
- Geert Goiris

A paracosm is a detailed imaginary world that children can develop from the age of +/- 2 years. It originates in childhood and he or she revisits their imaginary world periodically over the years and may retain as an adult. There is a clear distinction between reality and their own imaginary world.

'The animal meeting' a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The red cockatoo’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.

Don’t listen to everyone!

Listen with only one ear.

'The hedgehog’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.

The lost Paracosmist focuses on the irresistible charms of storytelling, and their power to contort our perception of the world and distort our relationship with reality.⁠

'The beaver’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'Intro’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'Paperland’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The cockatoos’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The animal meeting’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The red cockatoo’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The animal meeting close up’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The squirrel cut off one ear’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The animal meeting starry sky’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The borders of Paperland’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The beaver’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The cockatoo’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The robin’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.
'The squirrels plan’ a film still of the hand-colored film 'The lost paracosmist' by Josephina van de Water.

The lost paracosmist

To watch the full film use the following password: paracosmist

Paper works

  • The animal meeting. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The cockatoo. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The cockatoo. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The cockatoo. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The squirrel. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The squirrel. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The beaver. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The beaver. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The goose. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The goose. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The goose. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The hedgehog. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The hedgehog. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The otter. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The otter. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The robin. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • The robin. Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’
  • Miniature study of the Paper works by Josephina van de Water made for the hand-colored film ‘The most paracosmist’

Research films on pretend play