The art of video projection is becoming a widespread phenomenon. “3D projection mapping creates the illusion of multidimensional movement across or around the contours of any surface.” Many cities are now incorporating this ambitious technological art form as part of their events to tell a story using graphic, historic, cultural or mythical content. We have seen fascinating 3D projections on building façades and cathedrals all over the world, from the Sydney Opera House in the southern hemisphere, to the Canadian Parliament Building in Ottawa, to the Sagrada Cathedral in Barcelona.

Today I am excited to show you four new venues or canvases where 3D projection mapping is pushing the envelope to create even more astonishing and visually dynamic experiences. Art galleries, concert stages, sports arenas and tourist attractions are now bringing 3D projection mapping to the masses by creating flabbergasting installations.

SPIDRON/ Stereo 3D object mapping at  A38 Gallery in Budapest Hungary. (All Photo Courtesy of Philips)

ART GALLERY

An atypical art exhibit rocked the A38 Gallery in Budapest Hungary. SPIDRON/ Stereo 3D object mapping is an unexpected mapping installation on a giant spidron which ressembles a spider web. This unusual geometric sculpture was invented by Daniel Erdely. Darko Kolar is responsible for the sound.The concept and the animation was created by Laszlo Asolt Bordos aka BORDOS Artwork.
This unusual 3D mapping installation draws you in and makes you feel part of the story. You are not just observing and appreciating an art piece you are fully experiencing it. What better way to make a lasting impression.

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MUSIC CONCERT

French Singer Mylène Farmer’s Timeless concert tour starts off with 3D projection mapping.

3-D projection mapping has also invaded another arena: music. French Singer Mylène Farmer’s Timeless concert tour starts off with a 5 minute 3D video mapping extravaganza that serves as a prelude to entice and electrify the audience. When the singer finally arrives on stage the fans are exhilarated and overjoyed. The 3D video becomes part of the set or is it the set that becomes part of the video projection. In any case the galactic entrance is phenomenal.

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SPORTS ARENA

Bell Centre in Montreal lights up the hockey seasib with 3D mapping on the ice rink.

Canada’s favorite season is upon us…hockey season, which brings us to 3D Video mapping on ice rink surfaces. Even though the first ice projections appeared 10 years ago at major sports venues across North America, a few months ago the Bell Centre in Montreal was the home of the most colorful moving images ever seen on a giant sheet of ice.

Created by 4U2C, the Montreal venue pioneered the display of full motion video on an ice rink surface creating a visually dynamic opening ceremony to entertain the fans during the Montreal Canadiens’ home games. 

“The 360-degree nature of an arena requires minute attention to detail from every angle. In addition to the giant video panorama created from six seamlessly edge-blended graphic zones, the show features special effects like image tracking on players as they enter the rink, 3D branding and graphic elements combined with dynamic motion lighting. The Bell arena is becoming known as the ‘de-facto standard’ in projection on ice. Venues want to do it, audiences want to experience it, it is really the latest draw for the NHL crowd.”

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NATURAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

Projection technology on stage sets can create an otherwordly effect as seen in Forest Lumina.

Last but not least is the spectacular sensorial experience, Forest Lumina, a surreal universe where trees and rocks are animated, fairies, fireflies and other mythological creatures live along side maleficent ones. This enchanted forest created by Moment Factory is a technological wonder of illumination in a forest setting. The stage design, the lighting, the 3D video mapping and an original sound track all help in making this twilight world come alive. With hanging lanterns, a carpet of LED lights, and an abundance of 3D projections, the 2 km trail in Quebec’s Coaticook Gorge, is brilliantly transformed into a mystical forest.

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