Evangelical Art: Projection Mapping as an Art Form for the Masses

Projection mapping is a term given the projection of imagery onto 3D form and space, typically buildings. The relatively recent emergence of projection mapping as a new form of art has enabled artists, designers and animators to reach audiences in ever-greater numbers. The capacity of this combining of light, form and performance to bring architecture, urbanity and heritage to life has led to a proliferation of light festivals and lumière events around the world.

Scott McQuire (2008) maintains that, ‘a crucial role for new media art in public space is the potential to avoid the filter of sites such as the art gallery, and thereby engage audiences who might never cross that threshold.’ In 2015, the Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon attracted just over 330,000 visitors through its doors. However, in December 2014, during the Fête des Lumières, over just four days, an estimated 900,000 spectators stood outside the museum to watch a projected installation called Terre aux Lumières, a work that displayed much of the art contained within. Although this paper will not argue against the merits of viewing art and culture in its actuality, it will promote a view that this new media art form has the capacity to engage new audiences, as well as existing audiences in new ways, with art, architecture and heritage on a scale not seen before. This paper will argue that projection mapping is an aid to bring Art to the Lost.