John Whitney was an American animator, composer, and visual artist, known for his pioneering work in computer-generated imagery. He is often referred to as the "father of computer animation" for his innovative techniques that combined art and technology. Whitney's work laid the foundation for many modern animation practices and influenced various fields, including film and digital art. In addition to his animation work, Whitney was also a musician and created visual music, which involved synchronizing images with sound. His contributions to the arts have been recognized in exhibitions and retrospectives, showcasing the impact of his creativity on the evolution of animation and digital art.