Digital artists have re-imagined some of the world’s most iconic paintings as selfies. The artworks include the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough and self-portraits of Rembrandt and Raphael. The images are meant to reflect on what paintings would have looked like if the artist had camera technology at their disposal when the paintings were created.
The images are created by first using a model, with extremely detailed make up and costume and taking a photograph. It is then handed over to a digital artist who adds in the more finite details. The digital artist’s job is to make sure the photo is as close as possible to the actual photograph, whilst also honouring the original painting. The artist had to match the styling, lighting, and textures of the painting to create the best possible representation.
These paintings are part of a stunt to promote a new programme called ‘Raiders of the Lost Art’, which will be airing weekly from November 9th on the Yesterday channel. The new show tells the stories of famous pieces of art that have been lost over the years and will feature art detectives and forensic analysts who will attempt to track down missing artwork. The audience will see rare archival footage, re-enactments and expert commentary. The programme will include famous heists such as the Mona Lisa, the Nazi trove and the missing Fabergé eggs.
I really like the campaign and the use of technology, but I think the link between the programme and real life paintings is a little tenuous…
(Agencies involved – Taylor Herring)