Digital Creativity Week 2023 creations

Connecting Contrast: Campus Walkways

by Josh Povall

Considering the connections highlighted and enabled by York's covered walkways. Linking Heslington Hall, Derwent College, the history of the university and some of the abstract pieces found in the University's Art Collection.

Part of the university campus as a photo and part as a coloured shape interpretation
Part of the university campus as a photo and part as a coloured shape interpretation

This video from the exhibition shows Connecting Contrast in its exhibited version, with a 3D modelled and printed version of a campus covered walkway.

VID20230621122848.mp4

What Might Have Been

by Lucy Thurman

The land around Heslington Hall could have looked very different today if the idea for a 'Folk Park' had gone ahead. The proposed Folk Park intended to create a picturesque collection of displaced buildings of historic value, which would be 'furnished appropriately, and if possible, used and occupied' with the hope that people could 'see life in the round as our ancestors lived it'. 

A 3D printed house with beams appearing on campus
A 3D printed house with beams appearing by Derwent on campus
A 3D printed house with beams appearing amongst trees on campus

Inspiration

As there would have been a nationwide call for more buildings to populate the folk park, I was inspired to design and create a 3D printed model of one such building. The beams are all 3D printed, but the roof and walls are made from card. The windows are made from excess filament, acetate and paper, and show reflections of some of the surrounding buildings. 

Credit for the initial wooden beam: Rotten_4x4_Beam by Kewlava. I simplified this file to reduce the number of planes, and used Blender to design the framework of the house. 

A drawing of the proposed Folk Park
Parliament House would've been part of the Folk Park and was an old beamed house
A map of the proposed folk park area

Modern Marvels: Exploring 20th-Century Architecture and Sculpture at University of York

by Ania Kaczynska

This project was conceived with the purpose to appreciate and resurrect the vibrant spirit of University of York’s modern art pieces, both in sculpture and architecture, that have regrettably long been overlooked. With an aim to restore their former glory, this map serves as a testament to their immense significance and the urgent need for appreciation and preservation, in relation to their current often poor state and need for maintenance. Through research and exploration, this project aims to shed light on these hidden treasures, once harmonious within the campus’ landscape and broader architecture but now languishing, as they have fallen victim to neglect. By showcasing these works in their original sceneries with context of their artistic significance and cultural impact of these forgotten gems, “Modern Marvels" seeks to reignite a collective appreciation for the invaluable contributions these works have made to University of York's rich artistic heritage. 

Hexagon sequence: Walking through the artist's work

by Parisa Ahmadpourtorkamani

A 3D model that feels like you are entering different sized coloured shapes made into a tunnel

As you enter the presence of "Hexagon Sequence II," a mesmerizing painting by Rosalie de Meric (1916-1999), it envelops you in a world of vibrant colours and complex shapes. The painting's intricate patterns seem to dance before your eyes, drawing you deeper into its embrace. Rosalie de Meric, hailing from Weymouth, Dorset, was a multi-talented artist proficient in oil and acrylic mediums and a skilled draughtsman and educator. "Hexagon Sequence II" fully displays de Meric's talent. The painting's geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and intricate patterns combine to create a truly mesmerizing work of art. No wonder this piece has captivated many people over the years, drawing them in and holding their attention with its hypnotic allure.

A 3D model that feels like you are entering different sized coloured shapes made into a tunnel
People wearing a VR headset

Stepping into the enchanting realm of this masterpiece, you'll find more than just an awe-inspiring display of colours and shapes. This work of art offers an immersive experience where the artist's biography and insightful explanations about the piece unfold gracefully before your eyes. Delving deeper into the canvas, you'll encounter a delightful fusion of artistic brilliance and architectural marvels. The intricate patterns and motifs adorning the ceiling of Heslington Hall of the University of York, elegantly intertwined with the artist's vision, come to life on the very body of this artwork.

Antiphon: A call for a gallery space on campus

by Lucia Spelsberg and Rachel Deyis

This is a campaign for a gallery space to house the University of York Art Collection. Barbara Hepworth's Antiphon is probably the most recognised work of art on campus. However, a letter in the University archives suggests that we do not store it in the way she intended. The word Antiphon stems from 'return' and 'sound,' evoking a call and response. This is our call for a space in which the University art collection can be properly displayed, doing justice to those who both study the arts and those who seek to appreciate it on campus, what will be the University's response?

Barbara Hepworth's statue 'Antiphon' on a patterned background
People viewing posters with artworks on that spoke to you using augmented reality
A 3D print of a gallery space you could move pieces representing artworks inside

The videos below bring artworks to life to call for a space to display them on campus:

Speaking Poster 1.mp4
Speaking Poster 2.mp4
Speaking Poster 4.mp4
Speaking Poster 3.mp4

A trail of mini sculptures

By Robbie Parr

Discover the sculptures on campus by viewing all the mini inspired models while you find out about the history of these art pieces.

Reimaginings of sculptures from the UoY campus 3D printed
3D models of reimaginings of sculptures
Reimaginings of sculptures from the UoY campus 3D printed
Reimaginings of sculptures from the UoY campus 3D printed

Huge thank you to the Borthwick Institute for Archives and York Minster Library for allowing us to use material as part of the week. All material is copyrighted to the University of York unless other wise stated.