Overview
Inspired by my visit to the Van Gogh in America exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in January 2023, I combined 3D scans of the museum with motion capture and animation to bring Van Gogh’s 1887 self-portrait to life—delivering one of his most iconic quotes.
Project Goal
Create a digital tribute to Van Gogh and collaborate with the Detroit Institute of Arts. Honoring Van Gogh’s resilience and internal struggle while reflecting on my own experience with self-doubt as an artist and designer.
Skills & Tools
3D Facial Rigging, 3D Modelling, Animated Textures, After Effects, Audition, Audio Editing, Blender, Concept Development, ElevenLabs, Facial Motion Capture, Photogrammetry, Polycam, Premiere Pro.
Process
I began by using 3D scans to digitally recreate the DIA’s Diego Rivera mural and Grand Hall. From there, I rigged and animated a 3D Van Gogh buff using motion capture to make him speak a quote from an 1883 letter to his brother Theo:
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you are not a painter,’ then paint, boy—and that voice will be silenced.”
I then animated the textures on the face to give the painting a fluid living feel, and composited everything together with a digitally altered voice sample I recorded.
Impact
This was a deeply personal piece. It tested my endurance and self-belief as much as my technical skills. There were moments I wanted to give up, but I pushed through—and I’m proud of what I created. The project stands as a reminder to trust the process, keep creating, and silence the doubt.
Thumbnail
Base of 3D Scans
Final 3D Model of DIA
3D Van Gogh Head
Van Gogh Head Pre-Render
