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3D-Printed Death Masks

Neri Oxman's 'The Vespers' Revives an Ancient Mystic Practice

— November 30, 2016 — Art & Design
Neri Oxman, an artist and theorist working with her Mediated Matter group at MIT Media Lab, has created 'The Vespers,' a series of death masks. the hypnotic, tactile masks were created with the help of Stratasys, a 3D printing company that works with cutting-edge designs.

Death masks are part of an ancient custom, where they were believed to strengthen the spirit of the deceased and guard their soul from evils as they approach the afterworld, according to Oxman. By using a process as notably modern as 3D printing, The Vespers is consciously combining old and new.

The Vespers consists of three instalments, the only currently released of which is called Present (Present is actually meant as the second instalment in the series, however.) It consists of five masks that represent different martyrs.
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Death Masks - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of 3D printing technology to create unique and customizable death masks for individuals.
2. Ancient Customs Revival - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revisit ancient practices, such as death masks, and reinterpret them using modern technologies to create new and meaningful experiences.
3. Art and Technology Integration - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine art and technology to create mesmerizing and tactile experiences that bridge the gap between traditional customs and modern advancements.
Industry Implications
1. 3D Printing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Further develop 3D printing technology to enable the creation of intricate and personalized death masks, expanding the possibilities of the industry.
2. Art and Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the integration of traditional artistic practices with cutting-edge technologies to push the boundaries of artistic expression and create captivating experiences.
3. Cultural Preservation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use technology to revive and preserve ancient customs and rituals, allowing modern society to reconnect with its cultural heritage in meaningful ways.
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