New Exhibit Goes Virtual with 3D Laser Scanning

October 22, 2020
museum exhibit

Using technology to stay open during the pandemic

Though our world is opening slowly, many things are off-limits to the public thanks to COVID-19. As much as we want to be open, we are still trying to prevent the spread of this vicious disease until we find a vaccine that can help us fight it off. One of the events currently going on is an art exhibit at Carthage College called StoryTeching/Immersive Tales. Each artist is doing a virtual talk about their work and the entire galleries in a virtual setting with 3D laser scanning.

During a time of chaos, uncertainty, and a lot of boredom, 3D laser scanning has made its way to be one of the main ways we get out of the house and see the world. Many art galleries are using this technology to stay open during this pandemic. It has helped create an entirely different vibe for the art world.

From the comfort of their homes, people from all over the world can view entire art galleries and buy and sell through virtual worlds. Artists can sell pieces by uploading their work with this technology. It truly is incredible what we have been able to do with this technology.

In this exhibit, it not only shows how we are using this technology to create virtual displays. It is looking in depth at artists who use these devices to create outstanding masterpieces, that is then turned into an entire exhibit. It is creating a story with technology, something that is beautiful and using the latest devices.

How this technology works

3D laser scanning is some of the most relaxed and most intense equipment someone can use. It allows us to create whatever we want with the precision we don’t possess. No artist can create exact lines and a precise replica of something, right? Wrong. 3D laser scanning allows an artist to gain more in-depth insight like they never have before.

The technology usually comes in a small handheld device that takes rapid pictures. At the same time, it projects lasers measured by the distance they travel to and from the object. These lasers are noninvasive and do not harm the people who use them.

3D laser scanning captures information like texture, size, color, shapes, dimensions, and anything else you can think of. It then gets sent to an editing system where it can be adjusted, manipulated, or reversed engineered to create something spectacular.

All of the information can then be saved digitally for someone doing digital art. It can be 3D printed almost like a statue, or it can be turned into virtual reality. This technology gives artists the power to create, showcase, and sell like no other technology ever has.

Final thoughts

This technology may seem too high tech for some people, but it has made a generous splash in the art world. Artists can create unique pieces and show them off while we are still under lockdown. Artists can sell and provide virtual tours and virtual galleries. All of this is possible with 3D laser scanning, and it will continue changing the art society.