After a three-year wait, the doors are open at the NPG
Welcome to ngx's monthly newsletter
Where we?explore the intersection of technology and imagination.
Project Profile: National Portrait Gallery
The?National Portrait Gallery ?(NPG), after three long years, has re-opened its doors to the public.?
Since its foundation in 1856, this national gallery in the heart of London (arguably the first public gallery dedicated to portraiture), has gone through many building changes, renovations, and refurbishments.
In 2020, the National Portrait Gallery underwent another transformation, inside and out, that would reveal the Gallery in a “new light” and reflect the changing face of Britain. Previously closed off wings were opened and community spaces created as part of this process, bringing the “nation’s family album” to a new generation.
ngx was honoured to collaborate with our partners and share our knowledge and expertise, contributing to the transformative process of such a renowned institution.
With 41 digital exhibits, including digital labels, documentary films, interactive touchscreens, a bespoke AI interactive exhibit, and a show-stopping two-storey projection exhibit, ngx was honoured to lead the digital media efforts for the re-envisioned gallery.
Partners on this project included Nissen Richards, Fraser Randall, and Sysco Productions. Being able to collaborate with such incredibly committed partners made the experience even more successful.
New Project Launch: Chinese Canadian Museum
On July 1st, 2023, the?Chinese Canadian Museum ?(CCM) in Vancouver, B.C. opened to the public.
The museum serves as a testament to Chinese Canadian experiences, contributions, and heritage while elevating and engaging with voices and communities across the country. ngx worked with Barker Langham and the CCM on a digital strategy that guided the planning for the new museum.
The July 1st opening date is especially important as it marks?the 100th anniversary of the?Chinese Exclusion Act ,?the discriminatory legislation that effectively stopped immigration from China to Canada from 1923 to 1947.
How Museums Are Using VR
Is it finally time for virtual reality (VR) to reach the mainstream?
The biggest company in the world—Apple—is betting on it with their new Apple Vision Pro headset, and we’re sure that it’ll make a big impact once it’s released in 2024.?
You don’t have to wait until 2024 though, to experience innovative uses of VR. Museums have been using these technologies in creative ways for many years. In 2018 the National Museum of Finland explored R.W. Ekman’s painting?The Opening of the Diet 1863 by Alexander II?with a VR experience ?that allowed people to step inside the painting, and even speak with the characters around them!
The most famous painting in the world got its own VR treatment in 2019 when the Louvre launched ‘Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass ’ which used sound, interactive design, and animated images to help museum goers discover more details about the painting.
There is even an entire museum which does not exist in the physical world at all.?The Kremer Museum ?showcases over 70 Dutch and Flemish old masters, but you have to experience them through a VR headset, strolling the virtual museum halls.
领英推荐
While VR can offer new opportunities for creativity, and increased accessibility to people with mobility issues, it does have its drawbacks. Museums need to prepare for increased operational oversight, equipment costs, maintenance, and simulation sickness.
Staff Spotlight: Cindy Shi
Meet Cindy Shi, one of our Interactive Developers.
Cindy was the tech lead for our installation in London at the National Portrait Gallery. She has a passion for creative technology and storytelling, and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in digital media.
When she’s not onsite making sure all the tech is working properly, Cindy can be found exploring beautiful British Columbia with her camera. She also just got back from a trip to Alaska!
Careers
The hiring continues! Please share with all of your friends, family, and contacts.
What are WILDs?
WILD stands for Words, Inspiration, Lessons, and Data of the day.
The data we’re looking at today is the ratio of male to female representation on the exterior of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG).
Historically it has been 100% male, with 18 busts of male writers, poets, and artists carved into the building's facade. A new commission—The Doors (2023) by Tracey Emin CBE RA—will change that ratio by?adding 45 bronze portraits of women ?that will cover the main three doors that form the entrance to the NPG.
If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing with a friend. If a friend sent you this, get the next newsletter by?signing up here .
Who is ngx?
We’re a creative technology studio that turns stories and ideas into?compelling human experiences .
We partner with clients to reimagine what’s possible in physical and digital spaces. Focused on people and fuelled by collaboration, we activate storytelling, art, and technology to inspire and engage.
See you next month,
— the ngx team