Walt Disney Animation Studios has unveiled Whimsy & Wonder, a unique exhibition celebrating over a century of female artistry in animation, at the 20th Animayo Gran Canaria Festival — Spain’s only Oscar-qualifying event for animation.
Running from May 7 to 10, the exhibition is a vivid tribute to the women who helped shape Disney’s iconic visual storytelling, from the golden age of animation to today’s global hits.
The exhibition highlights legendary figures like Mary Blair, whose bold and imaginative use of colour revolutionised Disney’s style in the 1940s and ’50s. It also shines a light on contemporary visionaries behind beloved modern classics such as Frozen, Encanto, and Moana 2.
The exhibition features pieces from six contemporary Disney artists, including Lorelay Bové, Lisa Keene, Brittney Lee, Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, Josie Trinidad, and Fawn Veerasunthorn. Visitors can explore visual development work across decades of Disney’s storytelling evolution.
Festival founder Damián Perea praised Disney’s contribution, noting,
"The Walt Disney Animation Research Library has curated a one-of-a-kind exhibition that spans over a century of artistic inspiration. Without a doubt, it will be an inspiration for many of the girls and young women attending the festival, who will feel empowered by the six incredible female artists showcased in this exhibition."
As Animayo continues to build its reputation — with previous winners like In the Shadow of the Cypress going on to Academy Award success — the arrival of Whimsy & Wonder feels like a fitting tribute to the enduring magic of animation and the artists who breathe life into it.
