Art Ninja

Art Ninja is a vibrant, explosive, and entertaining TV show for children that debuted on the Ameba platform in 2015. It's a unique fusion of art, adventure, comedy, and innovation that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, not just for the captivating content, but also to learn, enjoy, and become more creative.

The show revolves around the life of its main character, a charismatic and jovacious personality known as Ricky Martin (not to be confused with the pop star). By day, Ricky is an everyman animator, working a regular job in Bristol, England. However, in response to art-related dilemmas and news, he imbues his personality with a vibrant 'Art Ninja' alter ego, rivalling the great superheroes of our time, albeit with paints and pastels rather than superpowers. Ricky amusingly demonstrates how 'Everyone can become an Art Ninja', reinforcing the idea that anyone can create amazing art with a bit of guidance and inspiration.

Drawing inspiration from his traditional Japanese house, Ricky uses the space as an artist's playground to create jaw-dropping, innovative, funny, and sometimes unbelievable large-scale art. Mixed with animation and peppered with slapstick comedy, Art Ninja’s episodes are ambitious, arty adventures that jump right off the screen and inspire families to get creative at home.

Each episode is well crafted and progresses smoothly. They start with a loose narrative whereby Ricky, friends and neighbours face creative problems that are typically solved through exciting artistic endeavours. Whether it's making animations using toys and jelly, to crafting portraits out of food, Ricky showcases incredible imagination and artistic skills that leave viewers mesmerised and motivated to tap into their own creativity.

One of the main highlights of the show is its method instruction, it’s clear, concise and easy to follow. It manages to break down complex art techniques into simple, manageable stages, making it accessible to children of all ages and abilities. As a result, the show functions not just as entertainment, but also as an exciting teaching tool, potentially sparking a lifelong interest in art.

The show also helps simplify the understanding of different artistic styles and movements. Over various episodes, audiences will uncover knowledge about different art mediums, the use of colour, and gain insight into many famous artists and their work. All of it is seamlessly incorporated into the narrative, making art history and theory effortlessly accessible to young minds.

Humour is another key ingredient in the Art Ninja recipe. Gav (Richard David-Caine), Sarah (Maddie Moate), and Gavin (Gav Cross) are regular characters on the show who find themselves in various funny and eye-rolling situations. The light-hearted banter and engaging storylines make Art Ninja as entertaining as it is educational.

Art Ninja also effectively integrates digital media into its narrative. It includes elements like animation, stop motion, time-lapses, and also showcases both digital and traditional art forms. The seamless transition between different forms and styles showcases the endless possibilities of creativity and art.

In addition to all its artistic and comedic charm, Art Ninja also has a significant heart. The show weaves important life lessons and values into its episodes. Themes of friendship, perseverance, teamwork and the importance of communication are woven into the storylines, making the show not just an art class but a series grounded in character development.

Art Ninja is a unique television experience that combines education, comedy, art, and creativity. The colours, energy, and excitement of the show truly embody the spirit of what an 'Art Ninja' can be, so it doesn't come as a surprise that it's an immediate hit among its target audience. It provides a real 'can-do' approach for kids to create their own artwork, while also encouraging them to experiment and take risks.

Above all, Art Ninja allows art to permeate beyond the screen and seep into the everyday life of its viewers, encouraging children to look for the potential of art in everything around them. For Ricky, every day becomes an opportunity to create amazing art from the 'art adventures'.

In its essence, Art Ninja is an entertaining, delightful, and above all, a creatively infectious show that cannot be missed. It's an artistic adventure that sparks viewers' creative spirit and ensures that no two episodes are alike, just like no two pieces of art are the same. Ultimately, Art Ninja means to encourage children to keep creating, keep exploring, and keep believing, that they, too, can be Art Ninjas.