One of the most compelling stories of our time is that of man versus machine. About data and creativity getting closer and closer together.

The Next Rembrandt tells that story. Bringing back to life one of the greatest Masters of all time. Only this time, data is the painter and technology the brush: The Next Rembrandt.

All of Rembrandt’s 346 paintings were analysed using 3D scans and digital files, upscaled by a deep learning algorithm for maximum resolution.

Facial recognition software was designed to understand Rembrandt’s style and to use those learnings to generate new facial features, which were assembled based on his use of geometric proportions.

Once the 2D image was complete, a height map was created to mimic the Rembrandt’s brushstrokes. The file was brought to life through an advanced 3D printer.

On the 5th April 2016, The Next Rembrandt was unveiled in Amsterdam and nextrembrandt.com went live.

Once the painting was framed, we started by inviting various experts from the art and tech world, the international press and the general public to the unveiling and exhibition of The Next Rembrandt in Amsterdam.

A modern art gallery was transformed into an exhibition space with big screens with the actual algorithms at work, playing behind the easel with the painting, made out of zero’s and ones.

This special gallery was the place where the story started.

Via an online launch film, people all over the world were invited to nextrembrandt.com, where they could dive deeper into the process of creating the digital painting.

The Next Rembrandt is created by data which has been translated through intelligent algorithms in order to craft it’s output. It is of high importance to reflect this in the experience by using the data stats, figures and stories as a fundamental part of the narrative.

We translated the data processes into visual stories; animations that help to imagine the purposes and the steps when using complex data. In addition to visual models to enforce comprehension of the data process, we introduced outstanding ‘data facts’ as starting points to delve into deeper stories revolving around the usage of data. By using both visual and textual information to absorb information about data, we were able to tell detailed data stories while maintaining a high experience value. Amplifying the provocative questions this work raises.

A 20 minute documentary added another layer to the campaign focussing on the battle of man versus machine. Inviting people to join the global conversation about the fading boundaries between technology and humanity.

About ING’s innovation defying imagination.