Video mapping and light art form a cutting-edge field that combines art and technology to create immersive experiences in which light ceases to be a mere technical resource and becomes the primary material of the artwork. From this perspective, the course introduces students to the use of light as an artistic material and a tool for spatial construction. Throughout the course, students will learn to use specialized software and hardware to create light and video projections that integrate into physical spaces, transforming them into immersive art installations. The course will cover the technical aspects of projection mapping such as 3D modeling, color correction, and calibration along with the fundamentals of light and color, light morphology, and the principles of light composition.
From the perspective of Light Art, the course will delve into how artworks generate perceptual and sensory experiences that challenge the physical identity of what is viewed, exploring the ambiguity between the material and the immaterial. Different approaches to working with light in relation to space and time will be addressed (light objects, immersive and interactive installations, phenomenological and sensory pieces), as well as notions of illusion, spatial perception, and narrative. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of Light Art and Video Mapping as contemporary disciplines, as well as the knowledge necessary to create their own immersive and interactive installations in performance, architectural, and museum contexts.
Titular Professors
Professors
Video mapping:
Prior knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, Blender, After Effects, or other video editing software is recommended. LIGHT ART: An interest in contemporary art, design, and visual culture is recommended; introductory knowledge of visual narrative and spatial composition is also recommended (not essential: these will be reinforced in class); and a willingness to engage in artistic experimentation and hands-on work (models, lighting tests) is essential.
Video mapping:
To train students to conceive, plan, and design video mapping, using specialized projection tools that allow for its precise integration into surfaces and physical environments.
To develop the ability to incorporate visual, sound, and interactive resources through the analysis and critical selection of software, hardware, and interaction devices appropriate for each project.
To foster the ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems specific to the cultural industries (design, animation, film, and audiovisual production), applying principles of composition, visual narrative and technological integration in the development of a real video mapping project.
Light Art:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Design lighting installations using design tools.
Integrate aesthetic, interactive, and projection elements based on the analysis of various conceptual and methodological tools.
Apply principles of interactive product design to solve complex problems in the cultural industries (design, animation, performing arts, and audiovisual production).
Recognize the ethical, professional, and artistic implications of the Light Art discipline.
Video mapping:
-Presentation of real case studies and references
-Basic concepts of video mapping
-Theory and practice with Resolume Arena
-How to create a video mapping template
-Analysis of references
-Storyboarding
-Production processes of a video mapping piece
-Content creation in After Effects
-Application on a real building
Light Art:
Light as a creative material: basic properties, tools, and construction elements.
Fundamentals of light and color theory applied to lighting and projection.
Morphology of light: form, volume, texture, contrast, and shadow.
Light, time, and movement: construction of light scenes and sequences.
Light Art as a discipline: main movements, artists, and categories.
Relationship between artwork, space, and spectator in Light Art.
Integrated project: design and work-in-progress model of a Light Art piece
Video mapping:
The Video mapping methodology is based on the development of a real-world video mapping project carried out in groups, allowing students to experience the complete production process from concept to final presentation. Students progress through all the essential stages, including concept development, site and surface analysis, visual design, audiovisual content creation, technical integration, testing and calibration, and final installation. This hands-on approach provides both creative and technical skills while simulating a professional video mapping workflow.
Video mapping and Light Art:
Lectures: theoretical sessions presenting fundamental content, references, and relevant concepts for the development of the course.
Practical classes and exercises: throughout the course, students will complete a series of individual or group exercises to deepen their knowledge. Some will be carried out during class time, while others will be completed between sessions.
Peer Instruction: during the integrative project, each student will present their work and receive feedback from both instructors and peers.
Project-Based Learning: students will undertake construction and research projects where the theoretical knowledge presented will be put into practice.
Video mapping:
Ordinary evaluation:
1. Attendance - 5%
2. Portfolio - 25%
3. Activity tracking - 30%
4. Proposal pitch - 20%
5. Individual content generation - 20%
6. Final project - 20%
Light Art:
The evaluation is organized into two main sections:
Monographic Paper + Oral Presentation (Midterm Evaluation):
Preparation of a written monograph based on the bibliography and content covered in the first sessions.
Brief oral presentation with visual support (presentation, images, videos) outlining the main findings and analysis.
Integrated Practical Project (IPP):
Development of a work-in-progress light art model or piece, including lighting and/or projection tests.
Preparation of a written report documenting the process, the conceptual framework, and its connection to the bibliography.
Final presentation of the project to the group, including an explanation of the process, technical and conceptual decisions, and an opportunity for questions.
Active class participation, engagement in activities, and consistent work will also be considered.
Video mapping:
Continuous assessment
The final grade will consider student engagement in class, submission of exercises and assignments, and instructor evaluation.
Extraordinary evaluation
Students who do not pass the ordinary evaluation will have the option to pass the course during the extraordinary evaluation period.
General assessment criteria
If the conditions for passing are not met, the maximum grade will be a 4. Students have the right to request a grade review on the date set by the instructor; during this review, the grade may be raised or lowered.
Light Art:
The final grade is calculated by combining:
Midterm Assessment: monograph + oral presentation
Quality of analysis and use of bibliography.
Clarity of presentation (written and oral).
Ability to connect theory, artists, and contemporary Light Art practices.
Integrative Practical Project Model/light piece: creativity, use of light as a material, formal and technical coherence.
Written report: articulation of process, theoretical concepts, and artistic references.
Participation and work in class: consistency, collaborative attitude, and effective use of practical sessions and feedback.
Video mapping:
La bibliografía se compartirá en clase durante las sesiones.
Light Art:
Sirlin, E. (2005). La luz en el teatro: Manual de iluminación. Instituto Nacional del Teatro.
Zajonc, A. (2015). Capturar la luz: La historia entrelazada de la luz y de la mente (caps. Luces entrelazadas y Menos luz). Ediciones Atalanta.
Suppicich, L., & Acosta, S. (2022). El Light Art como soporte artístico. En Libro de Actas XVI Congreso Iberoamericano de Iluminación LUXAMÉRICA 2022. Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María.
Acosta, S. (2023). Glosarios conceptuales de la luz. AVI Latinoamérica.
The supplementary materials will be provided in class.