Used in performance arts before film and animation techniques, ‘Zoetrop’ is redeveloped with 3D printing.
Actively used in the 19th century, Zoetrop was put aside after technology developments. Being very popular in theatrical shows once upon a time, this device is remade with 3D printing by a Japanese artist Akinori Goto.
To make the 3D printed zoetrope, Akinori Goto first designed a 2D time axis which followed the movements of a person walking. This movement was broken down into 6 still images. From there, Goto turned the 2D axis into a 3D axis, so that a continuous sequence of still figures was turned into a sort of ring. Next, the data was turned into 3DCG and morphed into the time axis, resulting in a cylindrical drum shape, which when 3D printed can be spun like a traditional zoetrope. With light projected onto the 3D printed zoetrope, the walking figures are revealed.
The Zoetrop, featured at the Spiral Independent Creators Festival in Tokyo, received Runner-up Grand Prix and the Audience Award.