Engaging with Art in New Ways
Artists often strive to engage the viewer’s mind, senses, or emotions with their art. Connecting with the audience is not guaranteed. When they do make a connection, they have the potential to inspire. Today, technology is providing new ways for the artist to connect with their audience and inspire.
Projection mapping is one of those new technologies that is being used to amplify the art viewing experience and connect with an audience. The technology has been around for a while, but now it is being used to produce dedicated events. The technology includes techniques to map 3-D surfaces so that specific areas can be targeted and masked with the projections. There are several festivals dedicated to this art form. Culturespaces, a French organization that has traditionally maintained museum and heritage sites in France, has extended their offering with permanent large-scale projection venues. They are one of several companies bringing these experiences to audiences around the world. These produced events have been popular in Europe and are now gaining popularity and attention in the United States, most notably a 3-D immersive experience focused on the artist Vincent Van Gogh.
Van Gogh popularity is being elevated to rock star status with these new projection mapping events. His painting style is instantly recognizable and with the help of technology his art is part of this new revolution of art experiences. His guaranteed cache is a dependable attribute to leverage as more events are being made available without the physical limitations of non-digital art. His paintings are being animated as moving montages which transport the viewer into the world of his paintings. Traditional museums are also leveraging the possibilities of these new technologies as they explore new ways to engage visitors. Keep an eye out for these new interactive experiences and be sure to experience it for yourself.
New Permanent Exhibit in New York City
Where to find a Van Gogh Immersive Experience in 2021
News articles about Van Gogh projection mapping exhibits
More Information about Culturespaces, one of the organizations creating projection events.
Future of museums
More Examples of Projection Mapping
Apollo 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Here is an example of the projection mapping technology used to commemorate the Apollo program’s 50th anniversary during the summer of 2019. My wife and I were fortunate to see this in person. This scale of the Washington Monument as the projection screen was a stunning experience.
Projection Mapping on Water Screens
Another popular use of projection mapping is projections on water spray screens.
More about Van Gogh
Animated Feature Film about van Gogh
A groundbreaking animated feature film was nominated for an academy award in 2017. It is a hand painted animated film which is a biographical look at Van Gogh and the events before his death. The title of the movie comes from how he signed his letters to his brother Theo.
Today, Van Gogh’s popularity stands in stark contrast to his struggles as an artist during his time. Maybe part of his popularity today is related to the story and mystery of his life and death. The world was not ready for him during his time, but we continue to connect with his work today.
National Gallery Lecture
One of Van Gogh’s artistic inspirations
Science related to Van Gogh paintings
Van Gogh Blog
60 MINUTES Episode :
The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh.
This is a very interesting historical investigation into the truth behind Van Gogh’s death.