Expert at 3D Imaging and Holography – Jacques Desbiens

For more than 25 years, Desbiens has been involved in experimenting, analyzing and creating images. From the simplicity of drawing to the complexity of holography, his images and displays are based on a diversity of technological and artistic means to alter perception and create the ambiances that merge reality and fiction. As a specialist in three-dimensional imaging, representation methodologies and artistic optics, Desbiens has expertise in experimental drawings, perspective methods, 3D computer graphics, stereoscopy, projections, optics and computer generated holography. He recently received, at the International symposium on Display Holography (2009) in Shenzhen, China, the “Nick Phillips Award for Innovation in Holography”.

Desbiens’ work in computer-generated holography is artistic as well as experimental. He investigates the visual effects and narrative possibilities that are uniquely innate to this medium. Several composition experiments can be visualized in his holograms, such as spatial synchronizations, divisions of viewing zones and time/space distortions.

Simulation of the 1999 total eclipse over Europe;

Jacques Desbiens, 2004.

In a hologram simulating the total solar eclipse over Europe in 1999, the image depicts one elapsed hour of the eclipse. The viewer can, by dictating his/her angle of view, observe the shadow on the earth moving from England to Romania. Additionally, since the image also provides the viewer with information about the time of day, the position of the sun, the eclipse as viewed from a telescope on earth and the cities at which the eclipse was total at a given time, the viewer gains a more meaningful understanding about the overall impact of the eclipse at any particular moment. All visual information is synchronized in this hologram to match the variations of the events depicted at different moments. This holographic composition shows that, even though it is the representation of an elapsed hour, in fact the end result is a series of distinct moments expanded over several viewing zones.

This piece is available for purchase at a price of 1500$US for the 60x40cm. (24×16 in.) version (excludes framing and lighting) and at a price of 440$US for the 30x20cm. (12×8 in.) version (includes framing and lighting).

The ability to divide and distribute content over different sections of a hologram is an important consequence of spatial synchronization in a system with multiple points of view. The hologram “Tractatus Holographis” is an example of these divisions. This hologram presents to the viewer a 16th century fictitious treatise on holography. The text was written in 16th century French, and some of the 3D illustrations are animated when the observer moves. When observed from the left part of the viewing zone, the first and second pages of an open book are visible. Moving toward the right, the page flips and when observed from the right part of the viewing zone, the third and fourth pages are visible. Two different compositions are presented in one single holographic image.

This art piece is available for purchase at a price of 1500$US for the 60x40cm (24×16 in.) version and at a price of 500$US for the 35x25cm (14×10 in.) version. Real life footage of the smaller version of the print in the RabbitHoles gallery can be viewed in the video by clicking the picture at the left.

A hologram such as “Numbers”, demonstrates that we can create many divisions of the viewing zone to distribute content. In this hologram, numbers from 0 to 9 change when the observer moves. This small format hologram (18x25cm, 7×10 in.) shows that at least 10 different content configurations can be distributed in the holographic space. The maximum amount of divisions will depend on the size of the hologram. Parts of the content or the entirety of the subject can vary.

As part of his experimentations of the visual effects that are particular to computer-generated holography, Desbiens designed an experimental hologram in which objects are moved in different directions to visualize distortions that would be produced depending on composition and orientation. Below is the video of the "Distortions" hologram in our office. This hologram is available at a price of 300$US for a 18x25cm (7×10 in.) version (framed with a light fixture).

This hologram explores how this medium transforms the sequence of images into something integral; how different motion interplays with 3D perception, the viewer’s positions as well the effects of lighting. These distortions, often seen as limitations, also show aesthetic possibilities unique to this medium. This hologram is available in an18x25cm (7x10in) size (framed with a light fixture) at a price of 300$US.

“Hurricane dynamics”, designed by Éric Slight & Jacques Desbiens in 2005, presents the dynamics that form a hurricane, the meteorological conditions needed and the diverse characteristics of its development. 1280 points of view are used to arrange the 3D images, video sequences from satellite images and text information (temperature, humidity level, dimensions and speed). This dynamic scene is synchronized with the observer’s movement. This large format hologram was produced for the “Extreme Nature” exhibition that was presented at the United Nations International Conference on Climate Change (Montreal, November 2005) and was displayed by the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum and the Saguenay Fjord Museum. This hologram is 120x100cm (42×39 in.) and was printed with 0.8mm pixels. In this visual description of the hurricane’s dynamics, information is spread over several viewing zones and appears in French or English depending on the observer’s position. If you are interested in buying this hologram, please contact RabbitHoles using the form at the bottom of this page.

or real footage of the installation at the RabbitHoles Headquarters’ gallery is in the video below:

In the hologram “The Broken Window”, Desbiens tried to illustrate the analogy between horizontal panoramic scroll of oriental landscape painting and holographic panoramagrams by representing a scroll unrolling when the observer moves from left to right. With his viewpoints variations, the observer can see calligraphy appear and subtle movements of the leaves apparently floating in the wind. Here, perspective is related to the broken window through which we see the landscape. Perspective and holography are both based on viewing space through a window, however, holography breaks this window by adding space in front and behind it and giving back to the observer the possibility to move away from the single eye viewpoint.

This print can be purchased for 1000$US for the 70x23cm (28×9 in.) size and for 2500$US for the 140x47cm (55×18 in.) size. The video below shows real footage of this hologram.

If you are interested in buying any prints by Jacques Desbiens, please complete the form below, indicating the name of the print, size, and a description of the environment where you plan to have it on display, so that lighting parameters can be optimized for viewing the hologram in the best possible way. Below is atable with details of all available prints. Please note that the included lighting fixtures (Techlighting Joshua picture light) will have a 110V North American power supply. If you require a 220V power supply, we can provide it for an additional cost of 50$US.

Lighting and framing for bigger holograms needs to be adapted for your specific environment and preferences. Please indicate in the notes if you would like RabbitHoles to provide custom framing and lighting for the prints that you are buying. If you choose to frame and light the print yourself, RabbitHoles will be happy to provide you all the specifications for the lighting geometry requirements and guide you to find the best lighting fixture solution.

Shipping and handling costs will be estimated upon receiving your order. As an example, shipping and handling for the "Numbers" hologram within the Continental US is 50$US and 60$US to most European countries. Taxes, VAT, and Customs fees are charged on delivery according to the laws of the destination country. GST and TVQ will be included on the invoice for products shipped to any address in Quebec. GST will be included on the invoice for products shipped elsewhere in Canada.