Did you know that sculptures can exist digitally as GLB files?
GLB files are a type of 3D file format that present 3D models with animation and motion. GLB stands for "GL Transmission Format Binary," which means that the file is a binary file format that contains data needed to display the 3D model, such as texture, shade, animation, and geometry. GLBs are typically used in virtual reality, augmented reality, games, apps, and of course, fine art!
GLB files can be created in programs like Blender, SketchUP, and other 3D modeling software. These files can also be created through AR and VR to truly sculpt these works of art. GLB files were introduced in 2015 but have become more popular with the rise of digital art, the blockchain, and the Metaverse.
These sculptures can be viewed and interacted with on any digital screen, such as a computer, phone, or iPad. The viewer can move the piece around and zoom in and out to see the work from multiple angles and vantage points - even from above! I love how these digital files give the viewer the ability to experience sculpture in ways that are not possible in real life. It is also extremely exciting to exhibit GLB sculptures in the virtual galleries!
This selection of 10 pieces demonstrates the explosive variety and growth in GLB sculptures on Exchange Art!
- Ble77, Breathe
This sculpted torso recalls classical sculptures. Unlike antiquities, though, this piece reminds the viewer to breathe, with the word “breathe” repeated in silver script expanding and contracting out of the gaping hole in the torso’s chest, depicting the physical act of breathing. If viewed from the right angle, you can literally see into the sculpture's chest.
2. Cole Dorais, Dependencies
This sculpted torso recalls classical sculptures. Unlike antiquities, though, this piece reminds the viewer to breathe, with the word “breathe” repeated in silver script expanding and contracting out of the gaping hole in the torso’s chest, depicting the physical act of breathing.
3. Fubby14, entry05
This work by Fubby14 is entirely algorithmically generated, from the number of parts of the sculpture to the patterns the parts are moving in. In a virtual gallery, the viewer can literally stand in the middle of the piece, watching it move over and around your avatar. Fascinating!
4. Lisanne Haack, Lucid dreams
Although Lisanne Haack is primarily a painter, she experimented with infusing her expressive, painterly aesthetic into sculptures. I like this piece in particular for the soft colors, loose, meandering lines, and flourishing flowers which are her hallmark. I also appreciate the inclusion of the seven round dots, extending the sculpture.
5. Arc Mikkelson, Abstraction 23034
I adore Arc Mikkelson’s abstract, silver sculpture. I appreciate how he designed the piece on a black plinth with a clear case, equating it to how it would be shown in the traditional art world. Unlike physical sculptures, though, this piece floats and moves on its own.
6. Mueo, Neo Baroque Snowflake #7/10
NeoBaroque Snowflake #7/10 is an animated, interactive 3D sculpture that expresses the decorative uniqueness of snowflakes. With this piece and in much of the artist’s work, Mueo references Baroque art, which was particularly dramatic and ornate. This sculpture is exaggerated and also moves - depiction of movement was significant in Baroque art. I find this piece to be incredibly mesmerizing.
7. Sir Wayne Nooten, Михаела
Sir Wayne Nooten’s first GLB file combines the natural with the digital. The artist found a piece of driftwood and used it as a base to paint an acrylic portrait of a Bulgarian woman. Moving the piece into the digital realm, he then scanned the piece using LiDAR technology and converted the file to GLB. A piece of painted wood will now forever live on digitally!
8. Peanug, Winged Being
Winged Being is a thought-provoking editioned sculpture that was formed by hand in virtual reality, paying homage to historic cultures and artists. I love the symbolic white flourishes for eyes and the delicately rendered feathers.
9. Studio, chair 28
What do you need in your Metaverse home or gallery? Of course, you need a hyperrealistic, incredibly designed chair by studio, which you can display and also use. I’m particularly drawn to this seafoam green chair with softly rounded edges.
