An object that is created using digital fabrication can be an amazing work of art. However, in combination with other methods of art making, these works can become even more interesting and visually powerful. This paper focuses on the combination of digital fabrication with projection mapping and some artworks created by contemporary artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Projection mapping is \u201cthe display of an image on a non-flat or non-white surface<\/a>.\u201d Other names for it are video mapping and spatial augmented reality. By projecting either a still image or video onto a subject, an illusion is created. The first recorded instance of projection mapping \u201cdates back to the 1969 opening of the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland<\/a>.\u201d They filmed \u201chead-shots of the singers (with 16 mm film) and then projecting this film onto busts of their faces<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lightform<\/a> is a company that offers hardware and software used for projection mapping, or what they called \u201cprojected AR<\/a>\u201d A high quality camera is attached to the top of a projector, and it will take a 3D scan of what is in front of it. The projector will use light to measure distance, color, and depth. An image of the scan will show up in the specially designed software program called Lightform Creator. In Lightform Creator users can select the boundaries of their object and then choose what will be projected onto it. The software provides a library of content to choose from, and gives the option to add your own<\/a>. After creating on the device the projection stays local on the projector so you could keep it running without the computer. Gaining an understanding of Lightform and combining it with knowledge of 3D modeling provides infinite possibilities for amazing, intricate artwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This paper will discuss two works of art that use projection mapping in interesting ways. The first artwork is Pachamama,<\/a> <\/em>a collaboration between Gabriel Schama and one of Lightform\u2019s motion designers Ray Chang. Schama\u2019s work primarily is detailed, geometric shapes and architecture, with some figurative elements, created by layering thin pieces of laser cut plywood. Pachamama <\/em>resembles a mandala, with symmetrical repeating shapes. It seems as if there are 10 or more layers of wood stacked which gives the work a lot of visual depth. The projection mapping is what really brings the work to life. It adds color and movement to a blank, static piece. The way the light shifts from the inside out creates a feeling of growth, paralleling the floral-like geometry. It also creates a state of trance for viewers bringing their eyes in and out of the shapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n