The Andy Monument: New Sculpture Based on 3D Scanning and Imaging Unveiled Today in NYC

(Photo: Konstantin Bojanov/Courtesy of the Public Art Fund)

The Andy Monument, a sculpture of Andy Warhol by artist Rob Pruitt, is being unveiled today in Union Square at the corner of 17th and Broadway.

The 10 foot tall sculpture is a part of the Public Art Fund's exhibitions for 2011. According to Nicholas Baume of the Public Art Fund, "Pruitt’s sculpture adapts and transforms the familiar tradition of classical statuary. The figure is based on a combination of digital scanning of a live model and hand sculpting." To complete that scanning, Pruitt worked with Direct Dimensions to help recreate the spirit of Warhol.

Scanning the Live Model

Mr. Pruitt and a live model traveled to Direct Dimensions office in Owings Mills, MD for a day of scanning with our full arsenal of products, including the ShapeShot 3D Facial Capture System, the Surphaser HSX Laser Scanner, a patch scanner and a Faro arm with laser scanner. Mr. Pruitt directed the shot, dressing and posing the model. In addition to the live model, separate objects such as a shopping bag and Warhol wig were scanned to add detail to the final sculpture.

Raw Scan Data of the Live Model

The digital imaging was completed with Innovmetric's Polyworks software and Zbrush software. Once the individual models were complete, each of the individual elements such as the body, head, hair wig, bag, and camera were combined to create a high resolution 3D model.

With the 3D model from the live scan complete, Direct Dimensions then digitally sculpted Andy Warhol’s face and head in Z-Brush from photographs provided by Mr. Pruitt. The Warhol bust was then digitally stitched to the live scan model to provide the artist with a complete realistic digital recreation of Andy Warhol.

Mr. Pruitt envisioned a stylized presentation of the portrait for his monument. Working with our modelers Mr. Pruitt directed modifications to the pose, facial expression and surface characteristics to achieve his final vision.

Rendering of Final Pose from Multiple Angles

The 3D data was used to help create the final sculpture, which was surface-finished in chrome and will stand on the corner of Broadway and 17th through October 2, 2011.

You can read more about the project on the Public Art Fund's project page.