Historical masterpieces are being brought to life for the visually impaired through an innovative project that uses the latest technology to create accurate models. READ MORE
Involving people from all over the world, The Unseen Art Project is a remarkable project launched in Finland on November 12 that seeks to make art available to the visually impaired by way of 3D printing and scanning technology. The project seeks to scan in detail classical paintings, which are then rendered in three dimensions. Using the latest 3D printers, an exact model can be created that may be touched and felt, both in exhibitions and in people’s homes. Just as exciting is the open source designation for the models, meaning they can be printed anywhere in the world where there’s access to 3D printers.
A pair of hands investigates the model (c) The Unseen Art Project 2015
Unseen has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds for the project. Marc Dillon launched the campaign to offer a 3D-printed version of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” to backers that can be sent to a loved one, child, or charity. Dillon states, “Creating equal access for art globally is our passion and goal. There are many people in the world who have heard of classical artworks their whole lives but are unable to see them. Now they can experience them for the first time and create their own impressions and opinions. Making global impact through crowdfunding allows blind and visually impaired people globally to personally experience the inspiration, education, and thought-provoking feelings that meaningful art creates.” Even those who don’t suffer from blindness or visual impairment might find the experience an enriching sensory addition to already visually stunning artworks.
If you would like to donate to the crowdfunding campaign, click here.
To learn more, visit The Unseen Art Project.
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