A few weeks ago, we brought your attention to a 3D printed replica of the statue of Michelangelo David at Expo Dubai. However, it doesn't stop there, and additive manufacturing continues to make news in the art world. Specifically, the scientists succeeded in replicating a 3D printed artwork by the famous painter Pablo Picasso, which has been isolated from the world for 118 years. The painting, titled "The Lonely Crouching Nude," was rebuilt by Oxia Palus. Founded by University College London (UCL) PhD researchers Anthony Bourached and George Cann, the company focuses on new technologies, including artificial intelligence and 3D printing.
The work was hidden for so many years because the Spanish artist really painted on it. In 1903, he created his second work, The Blind Man's Meal, which is well known to art lovers. To reconstruct the painting, Oxia Palus used spectral imaging and image processing. Once the work is visible again, they use artificial intelligence to texture the work. Finally, while not revealing the additive manufacturing process used, they used 3D printing to make the work on the canvas.
3D technology restores art
While experts at Pablo Picasso say there are details that can distinguish the original canvas from a 3D printed canvas, the results are still remarkably remarkable. When asked about it, British art expert Ty Murphy explained: "This AI-made painting looks like the Picasso blue period, but upon closer inspection, experts may recognize that it is not original. Before adding, "Give it time." Once these technologies emerge, they will be very convincing. This is good news for the future of 3D printing in the art world, where projects have grown over the years.
This is not the first time such an initiative has been created. In 2016, for example, 3D technology was used to reproduce a famous painting by Klimt called "The Kiss", which was exhibited at the Belvedere Museum in Vienna. Oxia Palus also had other reconstructions, and this painting is the third they revealed. Previously, the researchers completed a project that showed a female portrait under Amedeo Modigliani's "Portrait of a Girl of 1917" and another showing a mountain landscape beneath Picasso's "Crouching Beggar." If you are interested, you can find more information about this particular project here. It is also currently on display at Morf Gallery in London as part of the Deep AI Festival.