Art Beyond Sight: Davide’s Immersive Exhibition

For his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), student Davide Nalin staged a unique art exhibition featuring six tactile artworks based on classical, contemporary, and scientific artworks.  
Pictured L-R: Volunteer Brooke holding up the 3D model of Unique Forms of Continuity in Space with student Davide holding up the 3D model of Three Men Walking II  
 
To make the art accessible, the paintings were recreated using swell paper, which raised the outlines of the paintings to make them tactile, and the sculptures were reproduced using a 3D printer.

Each tactile piece was paired with a specially curated piece of music to help visitors absorb the sounds and feelings of the work.

Participants wore blindfolds and the music was accessed via QR codes and listened to through headphones. To ensure the exhibition was fully immersive and accessible for the visually impaired, Davide also provided artefact descriptions in both Braille and large print.

The exhibition, held over a two-hour slot, was a real success and was attended by 27 people. Karen Ager, one of the visitors, said:

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this art and music exhibition. It was an original experience combining tactile artefacts with a range of music, from classical to contemporary styles. Being blindfolded helped us to appreciate the importance of making art accessible and Davide had clearly put a lot of effort into creating the display, supported by RNC volunteer Albert Pitcher.’


Pictured: Karen explores the 3D model of Unique Forms of Continuity in Space with her hands while blindfolded

Reflecting on its success, Davide said:

‘The response to my exhibition has been very good. The visitors have enjoyed the experience and although we had some difficulties with the QR codes, people came and enjoyed it, and they could see how much work had gone into it and I'm very happy that it's gone well.’

Davide particularly wanted to thank Albert, who helped him prepare the tactile pictures and 3D sculptures, and the Estates Team, who made the plinths for the sculptures. He also wanted to thank volunteer Brooke, who welcomed visitors to the event and helped guide them through the exhibition.

The exhibition pieces and accompanying music were as follows:

Pablo Picasso – Guernica (1937) with Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez

Vincent van Gogh – Starry Night (1889) with Starry, Starry Night by Don McLean

Kazimir Malevich – Black Square (1915) with Sting's Russians

Lucio Fontana – Nature (1959-1960) with Energy Flow by Ryuichi Sakamoto

Umberto Boccioni – Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (1913) with Frederic Chopin's Waltz No. 9 Op. 69 No. 1

Alberto Giacometti – Three Men Walking II (1948-1949) with Metamorphosis by Philip Glass.