Rembrandt and His Pupils
- Interaction Designer,
- Lead Developer
- Getty Center,
- Bluecadet
- Kiosk Design,
- Experience Design,
- Interaction Design,
- Development
The Getty Center’s special exhibition Rembrandt & His Pupils aimed to engage visitors in understanding the intricate similarities and differences between the master’s works and those of his students. It showcased works by Rembrandt alongside those of his students, like Ferdinand Bol and Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, creating an opportunity to explore the nuances between the master and his apprentices.
The Client
The Getty Center, located in Los Angeles, California, is an iconic cultural institution renowned for its impressive art collections, stunning architecture, and commitment to education and research. Operated by the J. Paul Getty Trust, the Getty Center serves as a major cultural and educational hub, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
The Exhibit
The “Rembrandt and His Pupils” exhibit is a curated collection showcasing the works of the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn and his students. This exhibit offers a unique insight into the teaching methods and artistic influence of Rembrandt during the 17th century. Featuring paintings, drawings, and etchings, the exhibit highlights the stylistic development of Rembrandt’s pupils and their individual contributions to the art world. Visitors can explore how Rembrandt’s innovative techniques and themes were adopted and adapted by his students, providing a comprehensive view of his legacy and the broader context of the Dutch Golden Age of painting.
Interactive Experience Design
The kiosk presented artworks in pairs, juxtaposing pieces by Rembrandt with those of his pupils. This setup enabled visitors to compare and contrast the works closely, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.
Innovative Technology Integration
The fundamental interaction was designed to be straightforward—browsing through a series of paired images. The innovative use of technology added an engaging element, allowing visitors to explore the art in detail.
The interactivity was powered by repurposed mapping software, delivering high-resolution images that visitors could manipulate through gestures, a novel interaction at the time.
Curatorial Enhancements
Curators enriched the experience by adding annotations and commentaries to the artworks, offering an additional layer of insight. This digital interaction complemented the physical presence of the artworks, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Enhanced Art Appreciation
The interactive kiosk not only offered a novel way to view the art but also posed an intellectual challenge to visitors, engaging them in the historical debate of distinguishing between the works of Rembrandt and his pupils.
The Solution
The interactive kiosk experience for the exhibition Bluecadet created demonstrated how innovative digital solutions can be integrated into traditional art exhibitions to enhance learning and engagement, offering visitors a deeper, more interactive experience with the artwork. The kiosk not only offered a novel way to view the art but also posed an intellectual challenge to visitors, engaging them in the historical debate of distinguishing between the works of Rembrandt and his pupils.
