Robert J Russett

May 22 1935 – March 26 2015

We are saddened by the news that UL Lafayette Department of Visual Arts Professor Emeritus Robert J. Russett, 79, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2015. Robert Russett was a media artist, educator and writer whose animated films and installations were exhibited internationally. He was awarded the University’s Distinguished Professor Award in 1973 for his outstanding work as a professor. An authority on animation, Russett co-authored, with Cecile Starr, the 1988 book “Experimental Animation: Origins of New Art,” which is considered to be a “must-have” title in the field.
—University of Louisiana at Lafayette

It was one of those rare life changing experiences to meet and study with Robert Russett at the Univ. of Louisiana from 1982 thru 1985. Becoming his media arts student, I went from a pretty stuck up and boring computer programming geek to someone with a lifelong interest in media art, and especially experimental film. Russett pushed me to attempt to combine my burgeoning 1980’s programming skills with various media: printmaking, filmmaking, color theory. Heck-what-have-you-done-to-me bob russett? I become a fascinated exploring pioneer in digital printing, abstract computer art and animation, and for certain, without you, I would probably be programming (in Cobol) in a bank in Louisiana. With your mentor-ship I learned so much and after even 30 years after graduation I was very happy to be your friend and I will remain forever in your debt. R.I.P. Mister Russett.

—Stewart McSherry

Obituary on The Acadiana Advocate

The Preservation of Neuron (1972) by Robert Russett