Reimagining a 2D Painted Portrait as a Kinetic 3D Sculpture

Abstract

This paper describes a Cultural Heritage related project concerned with developing computer technology for reimagining a 2D painted still portrait made in a distinctive fine art style as an animated 3D sculpture whilst preserving the principal features of the initial painting yet resulting in an artefact of original quality. This work explores both artistic and technological aspects of a production pipeline. The case-study to prove the concept relies on Francis Bacon’s “Study for Portrait (Michel Leiris)”. A supplementary video shows the resulting animated piece with Bacon’s voice-over.