And woa, the lecture you’re talking about seems to be beyond my reach, but very interesting. Especially the part where you say unconsciousness, because I don’t think you can consciously be in a state of (what I’d like to call in this context) sublime.

Recently, I watched a lecture by Vilayanur Ramachandran on neurology of art. He hypothesized that there are several universal laws of art that have basis in brain functioning and showed results of the studies to back up his claims. For example, some stimuli illicit pleasant reaction in the spectator as measured by both subjective and physiological state. Perhaps, some unusual anime tap into our unconsciousness and turn bizarre into sublime

As for Kawamoto and Tsuji, I have heard of them but have not actually seen their work (<_<). But I know exactly what you mean. Once I saw this silhoute animation film called 'Mysterious Explorations of Jasper Morello' recommended by Wabisabi, which was basically animation of shadow figures projected onto beautiful CG objects and background. It had this beautiful feel of caveman storytelling but projected in modern context, unable to see the actual expressions and detailing of characters, but also finding something more abstract about that negative space at the same time. Was absolutely unique and stunning. I really should look for these doll films you mentioned, no doubt they will be unique and enlightening so thanks for the mention.

In relation to the article itself, I would sugggest the works of Kihachiro Kawamoto who seems to be able to manipulate Japanese style puppet shows into an immersing film. The concept is bizarre, yet sublime as a result in what it pulls off with various influences utilized in his tales. Another director to check out is Naoyuki Tsuji since I have heard his works (in actual animation) are of the same type mentioned.