The Whistling Woods Emerging Media Lab, among our many currently ongoing projects, has been experimenting with 3D printed lithophanes*.
For Diwali, the team has made a आकाशकंदील (lantern) made out of lithophane panels. This 3D-printed Diwali lantern features four individually crafted lithophane panels, each with a photograph of the Whistling Woods campus.
These lithophane panels are created using FDM-based 3D printing technology which varies the thickness of the plastic to impact the quality of the light passing through the plane and hence generate pixel-perfect shades capturing intricate details and depth. The varying thickness of each panel allows light to cast dynamic shadows as it percolates through the plastic.
Arranged on all sides, the panels become back-lit panels showcasing photographs of the Whistling Woods campus, turning this lantern into a captivating piece of art…
Happy Diwali Everyone!!! May you keep experimenting with technology to make the world a little better!!! 🪔🎇🎆😁🙏🏻
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* P.S. A lithophane is a thin plaque of translucent material, which has been moulded to varying thickness, such that when lit from behind the different thicknesses show as different shades, forming an image. The lithophane was invented in the 19th century and became very popular, typically for lampshades, nightlights, or to be hung on windows. They are also given stands, to be placed in front of a light source. The material used then was porcelain.