Bringing butterfly paintings to life through projection

Created an interactive projection mapping installation for artist Michelle Poonawalla that brings her signature butterfly paintings to life, with butterflies appearing to fly off the canvas when viewers approach the artwork, blending traditional art with digital interaction.

Michelle Poonawalla, a renowned contemporary artist known for her butterfly motif paintings, wanted to extend her artistic expression beyond static canvas by creating an immersive experience that would reflect the ephemeral and transformative nature of butterflies while highlighting environmental fragility.

Design and implement a projection mapping installation that would detect viewer presence and create the illusion of butterflies flying off her paintings when people approach, transforming her static artwork into a dynamic, interactive experience that embodies her artistic themes of transformation, freedom, and environmental awareness.

Developed a sophisticated motion tracking system using sensors that detect viewer proximity to the paintings. Created animated butterfly elements matching Poonawalla's distinctive artistic style for seamless visual integration. Programmed interactive behaviors where digital butterflies respond naturally to viewer movements, appearing to fly off the canvas. Calibrated precise projection mapping to align perfectly with the physical artwork. Incorporated subtle audio elements to enhance the immersive experience.

The installation successfully transformed Poonawalla's static butterfly paintings into an engaging interactive experience that deepened the emotional impact of her work. The project perfectly complemented her artistic journey that began with traditional media and evolved to incorporate digital technology. The installation received significant critical acclaim for its innovative blend of traditional painting with interactive digital elements, furthering Poonawalla's reputation as an artist who effectively combines classic techniques with contemporary technology.