Because The World is Not Flat!
Digital Mapping: A Techno-lution
By Liese Gardner
I was half inclined to title this post "How Cool Is This!" because that's what people generally say when they see the latest evolution of project mapping in action. It certainly was the first thing I thought while watching this video...
Christie InfoComm11 from Bart Kresa on Vimeo.
Bart Kresa of BARTKRESA Design, has been at the forefront of digital art installations, working in large-scale projection environments, for years. As the technology continues to develop, artists like him move with it, sort of like mapping itself. Last year Kresa produced a show for Christie Digital, makers of world-class projectors and integrated visual display solutions, at InfoComm 2011 in Florida, using the latest technology from that company. (shown in the video above)
This year he is speaking at the Event Solutions Idea Factory with Raymond Thompson. The two are also producing a large-scale video mapping show for the Spotlight Awards. Here is a little more information about Kresa's work and about what you can expect to learn at the session...
BARTKRESA design - workshop from Bart Kresa on Vimeo.
As an evolving art form, digital projection has been around for years yet continues to change as technology and artists who want to use it in their work, diversify. Today image projection is used by lighting directors, projectionists, fine artists and others. They continue to push its limits, taking the techno-lution to the next level.
In a nutshell, video projection mapping literally "maps" a surface using specialized software so the projected image conforms to any architectural element and contours of a building facade and create a 3D effect as AOO Events did when Dave Merrell brought Kresa in to design and produce a large-scale projection for the opening of the Agua Caliente Resort and Spa (pictured below).
Josh Weisberg, president and COO of Sharff Weisberg, Inc., a New Jersey based lighting/video/audio firm, published a piece explaining and defining 3D mapping. The difference between 2- and 3D, he wrote, is that 3D takes into account depth, not just placement, of architectural elements so the video literally wraps around the building.
When new effects are debuted, often the first inclination of the artist is to put them to use without consideration of content. But to Weisberg and Kresa, this new technology makes content even more important. "Because video content is situational and exits in tandem with the architecture, it must support the context effectively."
In other words, the images being projected need to show some relation to the building, not just rely on the technology itself, and have a sense of drama and wit. Otherwise, "It's just a movie displayed on the wall of a building," Weisberg writes.
"When done correctly, projection mapping transforms space without showing any technology," Kresa says.
I believe when you see the workshop Kresa and Thompson are presenting on February 27 at the Event Solutions Idea Factory in Vegas and then see it in action the following night at the Spotlight Awards show on February 28, you too will also, "How cool is this!" At the very least, you will experience the latest technology in events for you to wrap, or rather, map your mind around!
To reach Bart Kresa please go to www.bartkresa.com.
To find out more about attending the digital mapping workshop Feb. 27 in Las Vegas, and the Spotlights at Event Solutions Idea Factory, click here.
Liese GardnerLiese is owner of Mecca Communications, a marketing firm serving the special event industry. As such she works with Event Solutions magazine as a marketing and business consultant as well as editorial director. For more on Liese Gardner, go to www.reachmecca.com or please visit her blog, Fuel, Passions That Drive Us. To contact her directly, call 323.930.9320 or e-mail liese@reachmecca.com
