Video Mapping & Technical Setup - "Multitude" Exhibition (Vhils)
Design and deployment of the multi-projection technical setup for the temporary exhibition Multitude by artist Vhils at MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art). Full orchestration of a custom immersive visual (3 videos mapped across 6 projectors) and spatialized audio system tailored to the museum's architecture.
Context & Technical Challenges
- Display complexity: Synchronized playback of 3 distinct video compositions mapped across 6 projectors throughout the exhibition space.
- Centralized hardware resources: Driving all video feeds and real-time processing from a single high-performance workstation.
- Museum-grade reliability: Continuous operation requiring flawless system stability and automated daily turn-on/turn-off routines for museum staff.
Engineering & Methodology
- Multi-feed architecture: Building an optimized video playback pipeline handling 3 video feeds mapped to 6 projector outputs without frame drops.
- Calibration & Surface Warping: Millimeter-accurate projection alignment onto the raw wall textures characteristic of Vhils' work using MadMapper.
- Centralized control via Chataigne: Setting up a show control framework to automate video loop synchronization alongside multichannel audio positioning.
Technical Breakdown
1. Multi-Projection Architecture (3 Videos / 6 Projectors)
Challenge: Output and synchronize 3 independent video compositions across 6 physical projectors using a single computer without latency or tearing.
Solution: Configured a GPU-optimized pipeline in MadMapper to route and perfectly sync the 3 video feeds across all 6 projectors at a smooth, constant 60 FPS.
2. Optical Calibration, Warping & Edge Blending
Challenge: Blend imagery across multiple projectors onto raw brick and concrete surfaces without visible seams or brightness inconsistencies.
Solution: Precise geometric calibration (warping) and edge blending in MadMapper, delivering a continuous visual canvas integrated seamlessly with MIMA’s architecture.
3. Show Control & Multichannel Audio
Challenge: Synchronize a spatialized multichannel soundscape with the video timelines while fully automating system operations for gallery staff.
Solution: Deployed Chataigne as the central orchestrator: handling multichannel audio routing, playback triggers, and automated startup/shutdown scripts for turn-key daily operations.
Find Out More
Read the official exhibition overview on the museum's website: Multitude Exhibition - MIMA Museum.