Multiple Realities: Video Projection in the Tomb of Ramsses II

Here we present a new approach to archaeological reconstruction, in which we project digitally reconstructed iconography within a damaged Egyptian tomb. Combining video projection, computer animation, and digital compositing, a kind of ‘plural space’ is generated in the tomb’s burial chamber; this work is designed to enable visitors to view elements that were destroyed in antiquity. Also, we suggest that the act of projecting computer graphics reconstructions onto the walls of the tomb mirrors the ritual animation of the tomb’s inscriptions during the Egyptian ‘opening of the mouth’ ceremony. Our application is grounded in art installation, traditional archaeology, and the use of computers as theatre.