You may have Heard the words visual mapping or video mapping many times and you may not know what it is. In short, visual mapping or video mapping consists of using video projectors that display an animation, images, etc. on surfaces of buildings, walls, ceilings, domes… and that aim to create an artistic effect.
A little bit of history
When and where does this technique originate?
If we think about Shadow play, we will realize that the spirit is the same: projecting images (or shadows) on a surface to catch the public’s attention. This technique is millenary; we are talking about the third century before our era.
Towards the second half of the 17th century, with the creation of the magic lantern, we can say that the technique takes a giant leap. In this case it was possible to project a sequence of images that captivated the audience.
Sophistication came shortly after with the phantasmagoria, which was a further step in the improvement of this audiovisual technique. It consisted of a projector made up of several mobile magic lanterns, which combined the frontal projection with the rear projection, etc.
We had to wait until the arrival of the 20th century to see the video mapping appear as we know it now. The spectacular display of both 2D and 3D images was not possible until the computers were able to generate this type of animations.
Nowadays Video Mapping is not only a projection technique, since it can be used by technologies such as LED screens, video walls etc.
The keys to video mapping
There are many factors that are part of this audiovisual technique. The more we control these components, the more care we put into these factors that intervene in a video mapping, the better results we will obtain.
Light
Light is the fundamental factor of any video mapping. Light draws what we want to project: shapes, colours, animations, textures… Controlling light is basic to achieve a quality projection. We must take into account the distance at which the projector will be from the surface, the intensity of ambient light, the characteristics of the projected images, etc..
Sound
A complete audiovisual experience must include both images/videos and sound. Sound provides a good emotional dose that accompanies images. When we synchronize images and sound we can multiply the sensations and create a totally new and original artistic discourse.
Projection surface
We can project on almost any surface: walls, ceilings, canvases, fabrics, etc. We will consider what that surface is like to play with it. For example, in the case of a building, with its shape, projections, cornices, balconies, windows, etc.
Projector
More and more people are buying a projector so that they can watch films, series and sporting events at home as if they were at the cinema or stadium itself. However, for professional projections we need powerful, professional devices.
With these ingredients we can put on a fantastic show. In any event that we organize we must value the possibility of carrying out projections of video mapping. They suppose a 360, total experience, where the music and the perfectly synchronized images will manage to captivate the attention of our public.
At Artechsel we offer you different shows that include screenings. Check it now!
