Kirsten Lepore's 'Hi Stranger' Becomes Viral Stop-Motion Phenomenon

Kirsten Lepore, a US animation artist, created 'Hi Stranger,' a short stop-motion video that went viral in 2017. First released in late 2016 as part of an anthology by the Late Night Work Club collective, the video features a character directly addressing the audience, creating an intimate space. Lepore drew inspiration from meditation, mindfulness, ASMR, gender fluidity, spirituality, and pop internet imagery. The video's surreal, dreamlike atmosphere blends surrealism with new age philosophies and internet pop culture, captivating thousands of sites and social media profiles worldwide. Lepore commented humorously on her influences, including 'girls with big butts.' The work became a viral phenomenon weeks after its initial release, spreading across global platforms.