3D Art Portrait Comes to Ottawa

What does a group portrait of Canadians look like in the 21^st century? Canadian novelist and artist Douglas Coupland intends to find out.

“What do we look like now and where are we going with technology?” said Coupland in a press statement.

“3DCanada will present a glimpse of what a group portrait can look like in the 21st century.”

The crowd-sourced, 3D-printed art initiative known as 3DCanada is a first of its kind and is coming to Ottawa. On Saturday, October 29^th between 12 noon and 4:30PM, Simons will be hosting 3D scanning and printing booths at the Rideau Centre, providing their customers with a miniature bust of their likeness.

As a nod to Simons’ cross-country expansion, Douglas Coupland has teamed up with the venerable Canadian fashion retailer to capture 3D samples of Canadians from Quebec to British Columbia. The project will culminate in Coupland unveiling a sculpture made of hundreds of 3D-printed busts.

Angela Stinson, Director of Store Development at Simons says the project is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to Canadian art.

“3DCanada is the evolution of Simons’ commitment to art – one that celebrates creativity, meaningful connections and advancements in technology. With Canada’s approaching 150^th anniversary, this is also a celebration of our nationhood. We’re thrilled to share this collective piece with the entire country.”

This is the second collaboration between Simons and Douglas Coupland. The first project between the artist and retailer produced and ‘Bow Tie’ sculpture which now hangs in the Vancouver store.

Although very little detail has been provided about the end result of the art project, Stinson believes that Coupland will deliver something meaningful to both Simons and Canada.

“With any art project we get involved with, Simons hopes to engage people’s imaginations. 3DCanada demonstrates how 3D printing, this fascinating technology, can create meaningful art. Every time we host a scanning event to capture 3D images of Canadians, we see the reactions first hand. Young or old – people are amazed at the process and watching their 3D portraits come to life.

Doug is still working on the concept for the final piece, so the reveal will be just as thrilling as the scanning and printing. I can’t wait to see what it looks like!” says Stinson.

The next city on the list is for scanning is Calgary in 2017.

Want to attending the 3D scanning event at Simons?

Who: Douglas Coupland, Canadian novelist and artist.
What: Open public scanning event to add to the portrait of Canadians in the 21^st century.  Busts will be approximately 5cm tall and 10g in weight.
When: Saturday, October 29, 2016?12:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
Where: Simons in the Rideau Centre, 3^rd floor at 50 Rideau Street.