A&D ANNUAL 2021

Dominique Altamura

When starting her degree at UNSW, Dominique Altamura came from a background of both visual arts and software design, with aspirations to learn how to combine the two disciplines. Over the last three years in Media Arts, Dominique has explored both animation and visual effects studios, learning about the specialisation of 3D modelling for the first time in 2019. 3D modelling for animation has become her core goal within the animation industry and has developed into her personal practice. Dominique’s project ‘Polygonal Origins’ highlights the practice of 3D modelling as a combination of artistic and digital skill. Artistic and creative abilities are evident through the finalised rendered portraits, which demonstrate skills in 3D lighting, texturing, and rendering. The digital aspect of the 3D models is emphasised through the portraits of their ‘mesh’, a display of the facial topology created through digital software. Utilising technology as a tool rather than the author of 3D models is the core message behind Dominique’s practice, employing 3D software to create art that is seamlessly digital and artistic.