1642
Class 01 | 09/13/2023
Introduction
This project, named 1642, brings sound to Rembrandt's painting, The Night Watch. The painting was done in 1642 in Amsterdam, and it is one of the most famous and important paintings in Western art history.
The project will commence by breaking the painting into 4-5 layers. The bottom layer will consist of the architecture in the background, followed by layers representing the people from behind to front. Each person will be digitally represented and painted to showcase the animation of the painting process.
Throughout the painting of the background and layers, as well as the inclusion of intricate details, sound will be playing simultaneously to provide audiences with a more immersive experience. The selected sounds will be sourced from classical music in the late Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods, composed by renowned musicians such as Bach, Mozart, Liszt, and others. The sounds will be presented through orchestral, chamber, and solo instruments. Additionally, ambient sounds like passing carts, jewelry making, swinging pikes, firearm actions, and more will be incorporated.
The realization of this project necessitates extensive research into daily life in Amsterdam during the mid-17th century. An in-depth exploration of clothing and attire belonging to different social classes and occupations of that period is crucial, still, as the blocked figures in the back layers will also be accurately depicted. AI images will aid in generating options and ideas for this step.
Ultimately, all 34 characters will be allocated their specific spot, time, music, sound, and unique representation. A script will be written to organize the project, detailing the sequence of each layer, ensuring a harmonious fusion of visuals and sounds. The animation will be projected at a 1:1 scale of the painting, measuring at 11' 11" x 14' 4". It is hoped that this immersive experience will bring the audience a grander, theatrical, and dramatic encounter within the context of the combination of the visual splendor of Rembrandt in Dutch Golden Age and the timeless allure of classical music.
Figma file to the mind map and more info of the project.