Smartframe

Abstract

Fine art has been with us for centuries. The first known paintings have been made about 40,000 years ago on cave walls. Paintings represent a very fundamental human need to creatively express ourselves. Fine arts still plays a pivotal role in cultural and creative expression. The interest in the paintings of old, as well as the paintings of today, remains unparalleled. It is no wonder that museums across the world continue to be visited by millions of people. New production methods have created the possibility to print a painting including its texture and structure. These reproductions are hard to distinguish from the original in specific viewing conditions. They are therefore easily considered a threat to original works of art. There are a number of questions that arise with this new technology that this thesis tries to answer: What is the added value of 3d printed reproductions for museums? How can a 3d printed reproduction be put to a new use? How can this technology help in improving the experience of fine-art? The purpose of this thesis is to design a new museum exposition setup using 3d printed reproductions. Analysis has shown that there are a number of great benefits to 3d reproductions. They can be used in almost any environmental condition and they have a short production time. They are able to be touched as these reproduction use a special material that does not damage on touch. Analysis has also shown that most users spend little time looking at paintings when visiting museums. Most visitors do not know how to look at a painting. It is possible to conclude that 3d reproduction can play a major part in filling the information gap in museums. A design goal was formulated to design an exhibition setup using 3d reproductions that provides specific information about the content of the painting and technique of the painter. Due to a different set of physical and visual characteristics new possibilities of interaction with a painting have been researched. The final design is an exhibition setup that allows users to touch the reproduction. It is an interactive exhibition setup where users can receive information on the part of the painting they touch. This stimulates visitors to look at the details in the painting and gives them a structured way of analysing a painting. The light is dynamic; it follows the hand of the user. The frame incorporates LED’s that create grazing light at the location of the hand. This means that the perception of texture and relief improves and enables the 3d reproduction to be used to its full extend. Of this design a prototype was build and a user test was held to validate the design. The interactions that occurred were the intended interactions. The lighting for some people was sub-optimal and a redesign of the lighting system was made.