Autochrome Demonstrator

Autochrome Demonstrator
Material: Acrylic Glass &  Wood
Dimensions: H 55 cm, W:50cm, L: 130cm

Arthur Clay, HSLU
Chiara Gemma Fedon, HSLU
Giorgio Trumpy, NTNU
Isabel Yoko Arteaga Kiyomoto, NTNU
Irina-Mihaela Ciortan, NTNU
Sinha  Saptarshi, Fraunhofer


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Autochrome Demonstrator introduces a novel non-invasive restoration method by presenting each layer of an Autochrome as part of an optical system, allowing viewers to examine each layer individually and see how they combine into a complete image. It showcases a layer of glass with a mosaic of colored starch granules alongside a layer with a black-and-white image produced using panchromatic emulsion.

The Demonstrator includes both the original emulsion layer and color mosaic. When an Autochrome plate is damaged and part of the emulsion is missing, a secondary AI-generated emulsion plate is added to restore the image to its likely original form. This method explores AI-assisted restoration by reintroducing missing or damaged emulsion, enabling viewers to distinguish between the original and AI-generated components while ensuring accurate representation of the artist's work. Individual layers are best viewed from the side, while the complete image is observed from the front with the aid of an occulator, an optical tool that helps viewers find the "sweet spot" where all layers blend into a single, cohesive image. 

Additionally, advanced AI imaging techniques used to restore the color spectra of faded color mosaics have led to the creation of an alternate color mosaic plate. This plate can be switched out to allow for enhanced color restoration, providing an unfaded color image when viewing the Autochrome through the device.