3D printed facial studies by lorna barnshaw

3D printed facial studies by lorna barnshaw
all images courtesy of lorna barnshaw

UK-based artist lorna barnshaw has realized a triptych of 3D printed facial studies called ‘replicants’, each created using a different computer application, software, and printing method as an output source. wanting to replicate reality as closely as possible, she interfered with the technological counterpart minimally, moving humanity through a digital filter and bringing it back into the physical world.

the result is a series of mask-like sculptures, with characteristics unique to each computer platform used — one of the pieces used an autodesk program as its modifier, which turns photographs into 3D models to be printed. the outcome manipulated the facial elements into unusually shaped representations of themselves. another study, whose output method was cubify, is a highly abstracted, geometric reinterpretation of the human face. influenced by our technology driven society, barnshaw’s survey explores the constant supply of digital advances and its assimilation into daily life. 

a printed 3D scan of a human face

the facial study was modified using the computer program autodesk: 123D catch

the printed result of one of the digital methods

the result of cubify printing, the facial study is abstracted and geometrically patterned

the print manipulated the recognizable parts of the face

the series of three facial studies