A 3D-video projection will turn a New Bedford building into a giant pinball machine.
NEW BEDFORD — Converting any surface into a brilliant work of art is the inspiration behind Broken Glass Projections. Using 3D video projection mapping, New Bedford native Nelson Rapoza and his wife, Donna, owners of the company, are bringing this unique form of art to AHA! Night in March.
This technique utilizes color and light to turn anything from buildings, wedding cakes, airplanes — or whatever the customer can dream of — into an awe-inspiring image. Similar to when you go to Disney World and see the castle’s color-changing façade? That is the “magic” of 3D video projecting.
The art and science of manipulating physical spaces creates a one-of-a-kind "magical" scene that reaches beyond the restraints of conventional projection screens. It begins with mapping the desired object and deciding what illusion or image you want to turn the structure into. The videos and animation are then tailored to fit the object and are projected onto the surface with multiple projectors in different layers, the options are limitless and the experience will leave you wanting more.
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In 2019, Rapoza wanted to create advertising that hadn't been seen or done before for his car air freshener company, Image Scent air fresheners, projecting his logo onto random buildings to spread the word. The reception he received was so positive that many friends asked him why projecting wasn’t his actual pursuit.
Falling in love with the whole production was easy, he said, especially when the trial run began in the middle of the night by sneaking away with an old movie projector and a generator to turn an unassuming building into a huge fish tank and seeing people stop in their tracks to take in the scene.
“There is nothing like making a building disappear and creating a sensational 3D design in its place,” said Rapoza. “The best part of it is watching the people’s faces and the “oohs and aahs” of the crowd.”
Working with New Bedford’s Office of Tourism and Marketing the art production was originally scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9, but has been postponed due to weather to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 in Downtown New Bedford.
The Rapozas, along with their creative consultant David Andrews, will be turning a three-story building in Wings Court into a 50-foot neon pinball machine with surprises along the way. Depending on the darkness, the show should begin at 6:30 p.m. and will run continuously, restarting from the beginning every 5 minutes.
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“The art scene is hitting the area and it’s the perfect time to bring it to New Bedford,” Rapzosa said on debuting his work in New Bedford. “The support of local artists reaching out is fantastic and inspiring.”
AHA! Night will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9, and is spread throughout different parts of downtown New Bedford with a schedule available at https://ahanewbedford.org/next-aha.
For more information on Broken Glass Projections visit https://bgprojections.com.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Artists bring unique art show to New Bedford for Aha! NIght
