Virtual archiving
XR Stories is supporting Polite Rebellion to create a virtual archive of The Grief Series, a 13 year body of work encompassing projects, installations and immersive experiences about expressions and notions of grief.
Polite Rebellion was established to facilitate the practice of disabled performance-maker and artist, Ellie Harrison. In creating The Grief Series, a sequence of seven multi-sensory projects, Ellie collaborated with other artists working across performance, design, photography, installation and sculpture. The work engaged audiences as participants and co-creators to create space for people to think, feel and talk their way around grief and bereavement.
The Grief Series archives (artworks, photographs, and objects from the different project installations) are currently being acquired by The Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds and Leeds Museums and Galleries. Ellie approached XR Stories for support with creating digital versions of the archives to create a complete virtual exhibition.
The work included scanning papier-mâché traditional Mexican Cartoneria sculptures made by Zion Art Studio Mexico, using both Artec Eva and Artec Space Spider 3D scanners. These scanners are able to scan an object from all directions and, when the data is processed, provide a high-fidelity 3D digital representation of the physical object. The 3D model also includes a high-resolution texture which provides the model with accurate detailing and colours. The 3D model can then be used in numerous applications, including a game engine, where a user could view the 3D model from all angles as well as manipulate its size.
A digital representation of a 3D scan of a papier-mâché traditional Mexican Cartoneria sculpture.
3D scanning technology is increasingly used by museums to digitise their collections and create new experiences for visitors. Creating virtual bodies of physical works can also help creative practitioners to reach new audiences and secure new commissions.
Ellie comments: “Day of the dead culture is often ephemeral, with tissue paper picados and cartoneria sculptures not surviving the annual festivities in Mexico. Archiving the work of the incredible Zion Art Studio and their collaboration with The Grief Series feels significant and culturally urgent in a post pandemic landscape.”
Papier-mâché traditional Mexican Cartoneria sculptures of the team behind All That Lives, part of The Grief Series.
Images supplied by and used with permission from Ellie Harrison.
Categories: Arts