DMU Heritage Centre is offering students an exciting opportunity to get involved with the creation of a piece of holographic art. Please see below for the project brief.
De Montfort University (DMU) Heritage Committee would like to invite any student or group of students to submit design ideas for a holographic installation to be situated in the DMU Heritage Centre. The task may particularly suit performing arts students although anyone is invited to participate.
In 1485 the body of the defeated King Richard III was displayed in the Church of the Annunciation. The ruins of this Church now form part of the Heritage Centre based in the Hawthorn Building. The holographic installation will act as an artistic commemoration of King Richard III and reflect his historic presence on the campus site.
What we are looking for:
The hologram will show the body of Richard III, lying as he would have been displayed in the Church of the Annunciation. It will measure 1 x 1.5 meters and will be placed 3 meters above ground level over the arches in the Heritage Centre. Shimmering with colour, it will immediately draw the eye of visitors to the Centre.
History records that Richard’s body was naked, battle-wounded and mutilated when it was put on display. It is not desired that the hologram will faithfully represent this as it would not be appropriate for the Heritage Centre audience.
Students are encouraged to create interesting compositions using the potential of the human body. They will draw inspiration from tomb effigies and the traditions of representing dead bodies in Western artistic practice to create a sympathetic image which hints at Richard’s wounds but leaves detail to the imagination. The body could be wrapped in a blood-stained shroud, for example. It is also possible to include some animation in the hologram: the face turning to confront the onlooker, a crown falling from the King’s lifeless hand.
We have borrowed a crown from the recent production of Richard III at the Curve, which students may borrow to use in their tableau. Each participating group will be offered up to £30 to cover any costs.
Richard is well known to have suffered from scoliosis which twisted his spine. It is up to the students to decide how to portray this, although it is worth noting that it is not thought to have been visible when lying down. Analysis of his skeleton shows that he was around 5’8 in height and he would have been strong and muscular.
To create the hologram it is necessary to photograph a three dimensional model. Students are therefore asked to submit a photograph or short video clip of a still-life scene or tableau showing a model posed for the hologram. Martin Richardson, Professor of Holography in the Imaging & Display Research Group, will use high-resolution photography to record the tableau before transformation into the hologram.
Professor Richardson will hold a tour of his studio and a talk about the creation of holograms for students who wish to submit ideas. Students are encouraged to visit the Heritage Centre to view the intended site of the hologram and to discuss the project with staff.
Deadline: photographs/videos need to be submitted by 16 November 2015.
The submissions will then by judged by the Vice-Chancellor Dominic Shellard and other stakeholders.
For further information please contact: Katharine Short (kshort@dmu.ac.uk) or Elizabeth Wheelband (Elizabeth.wheelband@dmu.ac.uk). To book the studio tour with Professor Richardson contact: MRichardson@dmu.ac.uk or x8678
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