Why is this work relevant for Innovation?

This work is relevant for Innovation as it enhanced the art gallery experience using the latest digital technologies.

Background

Art exhibitions have always struggled to draw a large audience. In order to overcome this issue and to provide audiences with an alternative way of appreciating art, we made use of AI, 360-degree 8K videos, and VR technologies to create a new type of exhibition space.

Describe the idea

Using 8K videos and projection mapping, we recreated the landscape through Pierre Bonnard's perspective at his exhibition which was held at The National Art Center Tokyo. The videos were projected on five screens and people were able to have a social VR experience with multiple other visitors. We also developed an AI technology that converted photos into images drawn in Bonnard's style.

What were the key dates in the development process?

April 2018: Project launched May 2018: Began developing AI June 2018: Began designing the exhibition space and developing the project system July 2018: Shooting period September 2018: Exhibition starts December 2018: Exhibition ends

Describe the innovation/technology

We gathered a vast amount of data on Pierre Bonnard's artworks and analysed it segment by segment to develop an AI technology which could learn and master the artist's brushstrokes and touch. The resulting AI technology was able to create images and videos in Pierre Bonnard's style from the materials.

Describe the expectations/outcome

We demonstrated the future possibilities of art exhibitions and how the art gallery experience can be enhanced using technology. The exhibition space we created enabled visitors to see the landscape through the artist's eyes which allowed for a more emotionally engaging experience that gave the audience a glimpse into the mind of Bonnard; something that is not possible through a passive appreciation of art. We are hoping to implement this technology in various other art exhibits.