Diorama [dahy-uh-ram-uh]
noun. a scene, often in miniature, reproduced in three dimensions by placing objects, figures, etc., in front of a painted background.�
There are multiple uses for dioramas: exhibits; photographs; film scenes; prototyping for 3D modeling, creating assets…plus, they’re fun to do!
Dioramas as stand-alone art pieces
"Otherworldly: Optical Delusions and Small Realities," an exhibition focusing on dioramas of various sorts, is at the Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan.
A detail of Alan Wolfson's "Canal St. Cross-Section" (2009-10). The artist placed a coin inside the diorama to demonstrate scale.
Lori Nix at work on a diorama for a photograph called "Beauty Shop" (2010).
Mat Collishaw's "Garden of Unearthly Delights" (2009). If you don’t know the reference, check out this interactive experience
Top: A detail of Rick Araluce's "Longest Hours" (2011).
Left: Amy Bennett's painting "Hypochondriac" (2010).
Dioramas for video and theater
Cardboard diorama based on the set for a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Guthrie Theatre. Set Design by Todd Rosenthal.
Wizard of Oz
Science museum displays
What is a mood board?�A mood board is a way for people to communicate ideas in a visual way. They are collages of text, imagery and samples of objects in a composition. Often words fail us when we’re trying to capture imaginations and explain our ideas.�Your mood board should communicate:�Color palette, Patterns, Materials, Textures, Layout/floor plan, etc.
Viewers should be able to understand the general look and feel of the design through your mood board. For example: on the right is a mood board for a Moroccan-themed room.
These are mood boards for web design
Your final project is to create a diorama using a dominant color scheme
Design an interior or exterior space
You will be transforming ordinary household paraphernalia into three-dimensional little worlds, full of color and complete with foreground, background, and a perspective all their own.
Project details are linked here
Due Wednesday, April 24th, Critique 1
Homework Due next class: Start working on your diorama, cut initial pieces, gather all your materials and objects and get them ready for assembly.
Due Monday, April 29th
Present initial pieces, objects, and materials for assembly.
Homework Due: Assemble your diorama for last class critique
Due Wednesday, May 1st
This will be the final working critique and your last class, now is the time to work on the final touches and get feedback. You should have your diorama almost completed by today, and critique will give you the opportunity to finalize your work. *** Selection of dioramas for the final show will be at the end of class today!
Important Dates!
Thursday, May 2nd Print deadline 10:00 pm
All your work must be mounted for the final show. �Your dioramas must be completed and ready to show.
Friday, May 3rd All hands on deck to hang the final show 10:00am -2:00pm
Monday, May 6th Final Critique, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.