Ghent Altarpiece: Storytelling 2.0

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Ghent (Belgium)

But a temporary project has also been started that makes use of projection mapping: the technique in which objects or buildings are used as a projection surface for video projection. Artworks projected onto the contours of the building were displayed in the Cloth Hall of Ghent (the historic building where the cloth trade used to take place). No images of the original Ghent Altarpiece, but a contemporary version made by artists. Every two days an extra panel was added, so that it also invited you to come back again. A form of art that everyone (tourists and residents) can enjoy as soon as it gets dark.

The masterpiece Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is one of the highlights of the city of Ghent. The painting (1432) of 18 oak panels is not only impressive as a work of art, but also its history is special. For example, it survived almost 600 years in time (including the Iconoclasm), two panels were stolen and the painting was stored in a salt mine during the Second World War.

How do you make a historical story and the artistic details of a work of art visible and interesting for a broad target group? Ghent is an excellent example of contemporary and innovative forms of storytelling in which the story of Van Eyk and the Ghent Altarpiece is told. Via guided tours, projections, augmented reality, street art etc. Three examples of storytelling 2.0 around the Ghent Altarpiece.

#1: Immersive projection

A performance has been developed in the Saint Nicholas Church that combines music, technique, projection and art: Lights on Van Eyck. It tells the story of Van Eyck’s artworks and zooms in extra on the Ghent Altarpiece. We’ve written about the power of projection before and this one is no exception.

The show starts with four dancing robot arms with screens in which panels with (parts of) works of art by Van Eyck unfold. In the continuation of the performance, this is supported by projection on all the walls and vaults of the church. One moment the church is completely on fire, but the next moment it is the setting of elements from paintings that are projected into the vaults. It is a so-called ‘immersive experience’, where you are completely immersed in the story. Supported with classical music, beautiful colors and spectacular images. An experience that has an impact and that you will not soon forget.

#2: Augmented reality

In the visitor center of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral you can walk through the crypt of the cathedral. There you will be put on augmented reality glasses and you can experience the story of the Ghent cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece as if you were there yourself. The glasses add an extra layer to reality. You just see the reality of the crypt around you, but an extra 3D holographic layer is projected in front of you. By means of this holographic layer you can see the construction of the cathedral in the middle of the crypt, you walk through the studio of the Van Eyck brothers and you can zoom in on parts of the Ghent Altarpiece. A special experience.

An animation plays for you in the room and a voice-over gives you an explanation. With some holograms you can also walk around it, making it look like the hologram is actually in space. It is a form of storytelling in which you get to see and hear the story of the Ghent Alterpiece, without being overloaded with facts.

There are different tours: a standard tour (short or long), a ‘Master of detail’ tour and a special kids tour. Afterwards you will come face to face with the original Ghent Alterpiece. And believe us: you look at the artwork with more awe and completely different eyes.

Together we are looking for the possibilities of new techniques in tourism, such as holograms, VR, AR, etc. The AR tour in St. Bavo’s Cathedral been one of the best and impactful applications of AR technology as we have seen it so far.

#3: Art in the street

A final form that we highlight here is telling the story of Van Eyck in public space. This happens in different ways. Of course through city walks, routes and similar applications. But there is also a street art project, in which national and international artists have created a work of art inspired by the Ghent Altarpiece.

A temporary project has also been started that makes use of projection mapping: the technique in which objects or buildings are used as a projection surface for video projection. Artworks projected onto the contours of the building were displayed in the Cloth Hall of Ghent (the historic building where the cloth trade used to take place). No images of the original Ghent Altarpiece, but a contemporary version made by artists. Every two days an extra panel was added, so that it also invited you to come back again. A form of art that everyone (tourists and residents) can enjoy as soon as it gets dark.

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