Revolutionising Art with Haptic Technology and Freeform+

Overview

Rayvenn Shaleigha D’Clark is a London-based digital sculptor who has made significant waves in the art world, earning a place on Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2024 (Art and Culture).

With her work exhibited alongside icons like Tracey Emin, Ai Weiwei and Banksy, Rayvenn has gained international acclaim. Her art is housed in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Saatchi Gallery, and Carl Freedman Gallery. In March 2024, she unveiled her largest project to date, “Black Renaissance,” a permanent installation in Montgomery, Alabama, marking her as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary sculpture.

Public monuments often lacked diverse representation, reflecting a broader issue within the art world. Rayvenn also faced systemic challenges, including difficulties securing funding and pushing back against reductive portrayals in visual culture.

Challenge

Public monuments often lacked diverse representation, reflecting a broader issue within the art world. Rayvenn also faced systemic challenges, including difficulties securing funding and pushing back against reductive portrayals in visual culture.

Another obstacle was translating her vision of intricate, authentic representations into physical form while working within the limitations of traditional sculpting techniques. To fully realise her artistic ambitions, she needed tools that would allow her to push creative boundaries while preserving the precision and craftsmanship essential to her practice.

Solution

Determined to overcome these barriers, Rayvenn took bold steps to enhance her creative process. She invested in a Haptic Touch and Freeform+ software from OR3D to allow her to push the boundaries of her artistry. To ensure she could fully harness the potential of these technologies, she sought training from OR3D, whose expertise provided her with the skills needed to seamlessly integrate digital tools with her traditional sculpting practice.

The Haptic Touch enabled Rayvenn to experience tactile feedback that mimicked working with clay, allowing her to craft intricate, lifelike details with the precision and control she needed. Meanwhile, Freeform+ software gave her the capability to design and refine complex sculptures digitally, allowing her to take on ambitious projects that would have been difficult to execute using traditional methods alone.

Through a combination of her own determination and training provided by OR3D, Rayvenn gained not only the technical skills to master these tools but also the confidence to tackle large-scale projects. Her vision and drive were key to breaking through the barriers she faced, while the technology served as a means to bring her ideas to life with unparalleled detail and authenticity.

Rayvenn D Clark at the celebration and opening of The Equal Justice Initiative’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, June 2024

Results

Rayvenn has achieved remarkable success. Her most notable project, “Black Renaissance”, features three monumental bronze sculptures in Montgomery, Alabama, commemorating hidden figures and addressing the legacy of slavery. This historic installation is projected to draw over two million visitors annually, cementing Rayvenn’s place as a trailblaser in public art.

In addition to this monumental achievement, Rayvenn secured nearly two million pounds in funding within the first 10 months of opening her studio, enabling her to create additional permanent installations in both the UK and US. Her innovative use of the Haptic Touch and Freeform+ software has allowed her to challenge stereotypes, celebrate underrepresented communities and craft works that are as bold and impactful as her vision.

Rayvenn’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. By overcoming challenges and embracing advanced technology with the support of OR3D, Rayvenn has not only redefined what is possible in contemporary sculpture but also inspired others to break through barriers and pursue their creative ambitions fearlessly.