John Whitney pioneered computer-generated animation art, beginning in the 1950s, when he invented a mechanical analogue computer to create his experimental computer animation work. He created this computer by repurposing a WWII antiaircraft gun detector. Whitney created templates for his designs, and placed them on three rotating tables, which allowed for multi-layered animation design.

Design templates were placed on three different layers of rotating tables. and photographed by multiple-axis rotating cameras. The templates were then filmed by cameras that rotated, producing sequences for television programs and commercials.

In the 70’s Whitney began using the digital computer processors since they were faster. The following YouTube video shows “Arabesque”created in 1975.