This week in class we started working on our first 3D Model on the software Photogrammetry using the available sculptures at Carleton College’s Perlman Teaching Museum. My group is focused on a sculpture of a horse and a rider which looks like this in the 2D:
I found this piece to be really interesting because of the textures and colors we could see when we saw it in person. I feel like I get an interesting perspective on this art piece because I got to see it up close when I visited the museum to take pictures, I have 2D photos of it, and I will get to make a 3D model of it. These three mediums offer different perspectives of the sculpture, and I get to compare those since I have experienced them all.
When I think about seeing a sculpture in a museum, I think about the limitations on what you can see. For example, you can’t get close enough to capture some details. Of course museums are likely doing this because they want to protect the piece from constant touch or other accidents. Similarly, at museums you see the piece as it is presented. There are no manipulations of the angle or light you are seeing it other than if you were to walk around the piece yourself.
On the other hand, with 3D modeling programs we have available today, there are fewer limitations in those regards. With modeling, there are options to zoom in further in order to really examine the details in a work of art. Especially with items like coins, as seen in the Smithsonian 3D Digitization collection, it is hard to see the details of a tiny piece when it is over a foot away in a case. With digitalization you can zoom to look at coins close up, as this picture shows:
For me as well, the process of making my own model has been enlightening as well because the process has given me a deeper understanding of what makes up a model. The amount of pictures makes me realize just how many angles you are able to navigate in the model later. Overall though, I think a model is a great backup if you can’t see a piece in real life, but the experiences are different.
I like the point you bring up of how in museums you see the angle, lighting, and positioning that the museum has one display. Having the unique experience of getting up close and viewing the artifacts from any angle allows for a much better view of specific details and being able to appreciate the object a lot more.
I definitely agree with your points on the limitations of art in museums. While I understand that the limitations are in place to keep the art intact and safe, there are also times when the limitations don’t allow you to examine the art. I like how you included the picture of the coin from the Smithsonian museum; it highlights your point very well.