In collaboration with the performance artist and singer Kelly Mézino, we reinterpret the famous photograph “Le Violon d’Ingres” by Man Ray, which features the back of Kiki de Montparnasse adorned with two violin f-holes.
In this digital artwork, we use the senses of touch, sight, and hearing to recreate the connection between the artist, the model, and the spectator. The spectator, equipped with a virtual reality headset, is invited to caress the silicone mold of the artist Kelly Mézino’s back, which is equipped with pressure sensors. Through this headset, depending on the spectator’s touch, the digital double of the model will start to sing, and her virtual back will be covered with animated tattoos. Thus, the symbolism and sensuality of the original photograph are transformed, elevating this woman’s body as a musical instrument.
The muse as a gateway to the imagination
Sculpture and Virtual Reality
In collaboration with the performance artist and singer Kelly Mézino, we reinterpret the famous photograph “Le Violon d’Ingres” by Man Ray, which features the back of Kiki de Montparnasse adorned with two violin f-holes.
In this digital artwork, we use the senses of touch, sight, and hearing to recreate the connection between the artist, the model, and the spectator. The spectator, equipped with a virtual reality headset, is invited to caress the silicone mold of the artist Kelly Mézino’s back, which is equipped with pressure sensors. Through this headset, depending on the spectator’s touch, the digital double of the model will start to sing, and her virtual back will be covered with animated tattoos. Thus, the symbolism and sensuality of the original photograph are transformed, elevating this woman’s body as a musical instrument.
The model or the muse?
When Man Ray looks at the back of his muse Kiki, what does he see? A back? A violin? What distinguishes a model from a muse? What does the artist see when he looks at his model or creates a work of art? The beauty of a body? Beyond that?
“Amusique” is part of the Kellynoide project, a series of digital artworks exploring the creation of a virtual actor, the Kellynoïde, the Double-Other of the multifaceted artist Kelly Mézino, at the intersection of art, technology, and imagination. Alongside “Line,” another piece featuring the Kellynoïde, “Amusique” continues our quest to merge traditional art with technological innovations. Inspired by Man Ray’s “Le Violon d’Ingres,” “Amusique” pays homage to Kiki de Montparnasse, not only as a model but as a true gateway to the imagination. Through this work, we aim to show that the muse transcends her role as a model to become an inexhaustible source of creativity and dreams. By incorporating interactive and immersive technologies, “Amusique” invites spectators to a unique sensory experience, where art and virtual reality meet to create dreamlike and surreal worlds.
Digital Sculpture, Molding, and 3D Printing
We began with a posing session with Kelly to ensure we all agreed on the posture and expression of “Amusique.” This step was crucial to capture the essence of our artistic vision. Once the pose was defined, we undertook the initial modeling tests using Taupipeline, which integrates software like Blender, ZBrush, and Houdini. These tools allowed us to create a detailed 3D image that faithfully represented our initial concept. This modeling phase was essential to bring “Amusique” to life and prepare for the subsequent stages of our project.
After finalizing the 3D modeling, we proceeded to print a figurine of Kelly Mézino using a 3D printer, as well as a first version of the “Amusique” bust that the public will be invited to caress. This version, printed in PLA, allowed us to visualize our work concretely and make the necessary adjustments.
Simultaneously, we created computer-generated images of what the spectator will see to document each step of the process and ensure the fidelity of our artistic vision. These images were essential for refining the details and preparing the final version of “Amusique.”
After finalizing the first 3D printed version and the reference images, we created a life-sized print of the bust mold. This step allowed us to create a silicone skin, simulating the realistic texture of human skin. This process was crucial to give “Amusique” an authentic and tactile appearance, enhancing the immersion and interaction with the artwork.
Sensors and Arduino
To make the surface of “Amusique” tactile, we integrated pressure sensors connected to Arduino modules. These sensors allow the sculpture to perceive the caresses that spectators will give to the silicone sculpture. To optimally install this electronics, we reprinted the internal structure of the bust with specific adjustments. This internal structure is then covered by a layer of silicone, simulating the texture of human skin while integrating the pressure sensors. This innovation enables a unique and immersive interaction between the artwork and the public.
The Imaginary World
Immersion and Virtual Reality
The idea that Kelly Mézino and I developed is to make the body of the muse a gateway to the imagination. We use virtual reality as a means to explore dreams and the imagination. Thus, we have created interactive environments controlled by sensors integrated into the back of the silicone bust. These sensors allow spectators to traverse events ranging from a direct homage to Man Ray’s photograph to universes inspired by De Chirico, Magritte, or Prévert. This immersive and interactive approach transforms “Amusique” into a unique experience, where the muse becomes a gateway to dreamlike and surreal worlds.
Interaction and Touch
Immersion through the virtual reality headset allows the viewer to experience a surreal dream. This immersive, interactive, and 360-degree view, combined with the materialization of the viewer’s hands through a Leap Motion, enhances this dreamlike impression. Viewers can thus interact with the virtual environments we have created, moving through universes inspired by De Chirico, Magritte, or Prévert. This technology transforms ‘Amusique’ into a complete sensory experience, where the imagination comes to life in a tangible and immersive way
NTAa’25 Zebrastraat Ghent
‘Amusique’ is presented at Zebrastraat in Ghent, Belgium, as part of NTAa ’25, an exhibition celebrating the intersection between surrealism and artificial intelligence. From February 20 to June 8, 2025, it is one of the 22 works selected by curator Thierry Dufrêne.