3D Scanning a Painting - Basquiat’s Untitled
In the lead-up to a landmark auction, MYND Workshop partnered with Phillips to meticulously capture Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Untitled," an artwork poised for an $85 million sale. Set against the backdrop of an esteemed gallery in Los Angeles, the project demanded an innovative approach to immortalize the painting before it made its journey to New York City for the auction on May 18, 2022.
Basquiat's Untitled on display in London - Image Courtesy of Phillips
Basquiat's Untitled on display in Los Angeles gallery - Image Courtesy of Phillips
View the high resolution painting scan
Harnessing the precision of advanced photogrammetry, MYND Workshop employed hundreds of high-resolution photographs to construct an intricate digital model of "Untitled." This method enabled the team to preserve not just the image but the essence of Basquiat's work, capturing the minutiae that define its uniqueness — from the subtle texture of brush strokes to the nuanced cracks and drips in the paint, each element was documented with exceptional clarity.
The photogrammetry process of scanning the Basquiat painting in the LA gallery
The photogrammetry process of scanning the Basquiat painting in the LA gallery
The resultant ultra-high-resolution orthophoto served a dual purpose: it became a vital asset in a widespread marketing campaign, featuring prominently on billboards across the United States, and it formed the basis of an interactive experience on Phillips' website. This digital initiative offered art aficionados and prospective buyers an unprecedented opportunity to explore "Untitled" in a new dimension, delving into the fine details that contribute to its allure and value.
Detail of painting scan photogrammetry capture
Resulting 3D Asset shown within virtual interactive experience environment
Resulting 3D Asset used for billboard marketing in NYC
This project not only exemplified the potential of photogrammetry in art preservation and marketing but also highlighted MYND Workshop's expertise in bridging the gap between tangible art and digital innovation. The meticulous capture process and the digital twin it produced underscored the painting's cultural significance, ensuring its legacy and accessibility far beyond the auction block.
View the experience here.