AUTOMIXERS*

I CONSTRUCTION

Dimensions 1m/1m/2m

Elements
2 Space Frame Elements (1m/1m/1m)
5 Plates   
4 Autochrome Viewers

Materials
Aluminum tubes 25 mm x 25 mm, 2mm thick
Plastic and/ or wood end caps
Stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers, 6mm
POM distance pieces 12 mm
Polycarbonate plate  3mm (Panels)
Diverse montage elements
 
Media
 
 
II INFORMATION 

Description
 
 AUTOMIXERS: This element features a "viewing cave" where visitors can observe Autochrome plates under proper lighting in a private and intimate setting. For this purpose, a special Autochrome viewer was developed, which is inserted into the space frame and uses a mirror to direct light onto the Autochrome, making it visible

 

On display is a suite of Autochromes that have experienced color fading. The display not only showcases the Autochromes but also enables visitors to interact with them. This interactive feature allows visitors to compare the original and restored color mosaics of each Autochrome in the set. This is achieved by providing each viewer with a sliding plates containing multiple versions of the color mosiac, allowing users to gradually transition from a black and white image to a restored full-color image

 

The sliding plate functions similarly to a film strip, allowing users to slide between different versions of the color mosaic. This plate contains six versions: a black and white image, a single color component of the mosaic, two color components, all original color components of the mosaic, and a digitally restored version of the color mosaic. Visitors can engage interactively with this feature by sliding the color mosaic plate through the viewer. This allows them to compare the various versions of the mosaic, observe the transformation of a black and white image into a colored one, and simultaneously witness the restoration process of the Autochrome.



Fig. Mockup sketch of the AUTOMIXER element




 

Elaboration

(text here)


III ENGAGEMENT APP
 

Description 

AutoMixer: An interactive app that allows users to explore the virtual  restoration process of autochromes, comparing present, original, and restoration  states to understand image and color degradation.

 
 
Fig. Mock up sketch of the Engagement App for the AUTOMIXER


 

User Scenario

>User scans QR located on the Case Study Element;
>Application opens Instructions appear on the screen for the user to read;
>User selects the Autchrome that he/she wants to view;
>User presses the buttons to compare the various steps in the restoration


IV CASE STUDY ARTWORKS

Autochromes 

Title: Persons on a River Bank
Artist: Unknown
Location: Virtuale Switzerland
Damage: Color Fading
 
Title: Japanese Umbrella
Artist: Unknown
Location: Virtuale Switzerland
Damage: Color Fading
 

Title: The Artist's Wife
Artist: 
Bernard Alfieri Senior
Location: V&A London
Damage: Missing Data









 

 



V APPENDIX

Color blending using transparent plastics


LINKS

Color Mixing

The Printmaker's Palette: Color Overlays with Akua Inks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UgU9t-vlO4&ab_channel=AkuaPrintshop

Overlapping glass color mixing: Drawing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7btnz9J4ar0&ab_channel=NaomiPoel


Autochromes History

Les autochromes Lumière
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvAPwFu4cpo

What is an autochrome? | Colour Photography Processes | V&A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKINhG0g3kk&ab_channel=VictoriaandAlbertMuseum

Colouring the World. The Autochromes of Robert Bland Bird
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYajirV_VU4

Autochromes Making

Making an Autochrome Screen Plate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUf1MER8ts

The Autochrome; Color photos? Just add potatoes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE3KjKg69ZA