Appreciating and Investing in Three-Dimensional Art

Three-dimensional (3D) art, a diverse and intriguing realm, is artwork that is created in and occupies three-dimensional space. Utilizing the dimensions of height, width, and depth, both digitally and physically, 3D art comes in a myriad of forms, each with its own unique appeal. 

Understanding the various 3D art types will help build your appreciation for this genre and your confidence when selecting works for investment. For this article, let's examine 3D art in three main categories: (1) physical, (2) digital, and (3) other. 

Physical Forms of 3D Art

Sculpture: Perhaps the most traditional of all 3D art forms, sculpture involves shaping materials by additive and subtractive measures. Traditional materials include stone, clay, wood, plastic, and metal. 

Mixed Media: Art that utilizes and combines materials and techniques to create 3D works. 

Installation: Artwork that transforms space and aims to immerse the viewer in the experience.

Assemblage: Sculptural art that utilizes found objects and arranges them in 3D space. 

Kinetic: 3D art that incorporates motion by means of mechanical elements or natural elements such as wind and water. 

3D Printed: Artists utilize digital models to print physical art, layer by layer, using 3D printers. 

Digital Forms of 3D Art

Modeling: Using computer software to create a 3D representation of an object. Artists manipulate points in virtual space (called vertices) to form a mesh, which is essentially a framework of the 3D object. There are many different types of modeling, and the models range in detail. 

Sculpting: This type of modeling mimics traditional sculpting techniques such as pushing, pulling, and smoothing. 3D sculpting allows for highly detailed, stylized, and natural-looking forms. 

Texturing: Texturing is the process of applying details to the surface of 3D models to provide color, material properties, and realism. Texture application with UV mapping involves unwrapping the 3D surface into 2D space and placing textures on it. 

Animation: Creating movement in a 3D space by manipulating models over time. 

Rendering: The process of converting 3D models and environments into 2D images or animations by simulating lighting, shading, textures, and camera angles.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Artists create interactive experiences that immerse users in 3D environments.

Game Art: 3D assets designed specifically for video games, including characters, scenes, and objects. This art form prioritizes optimization for real-time performance.

Visualization: 3D art is used mainly for architectural and product visualization, where designs are transformed into realistic 3D forms before they are built or manufactured. 

Motion Graphics: Combining 3D models and animation with graphic design elements to create dynamic presentations or visual effects (VFX). 

Other Forms of 3D Art

Projection Mapping: Artists create immersive environments by projecting visual content on surfaces, transforming objects and spaces into dynamic art displays. 

Environmental Design: Artistically transforming entire environments where objects and spaces become the works of art.

Holography: Utilizing light and technology to create the illusion of fully 3D images appearing in real space.

AI-Generated: Machine learning algorithms have the ability to generate 3D models, environments, and animations based on data. Artists collaborate with AI to create art that would not be possible through traditional methods. 

NFT-Based: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets stored on a decentralized digital ledger blockchain. They enable artists to sell their digital artwork on blockchain platforms, providing a secure and transparent way to prove ownership and authenticity. NFTs have revolutionized the digital art market by allowing artists to monetize digital assets in new ways, often selling for significant amounts in online auctions.

Bioprinting: While traditionally used in medical and scientific fields, 3D bioprinting has found its way into art. Artists create artwork that explores the relationship between biology and art using biomaterials, such as living cells. This emerging form of 3D art raises intriguing questions about the intersection of technology, biology, and creativity and is a fascinating area for art enthusiasts to explore. 

Appreciating 3D Art

Unlike 2D art, 3D art demands physically active participation. Whether moving around a sculpture to fully experience its elements or engaging with a digital 3D art piece in a transformed space, viewers must interact with the artwork. Appreciating 3D art involves multiple human senses, making it a truly immersive experience. 

Here are some key points to help you appreciate 3D art:

Understand the Medium and Techniques

What tools, materials, and methods create the artwork? With digital 3D art, it is important to understand the software and tools that the artist uses. With physical 3D art, consider the material of the art. For example, carving marble and manipulating found objects each require different processes. Understanding how the material transforms will help you gain a better appreciation of the artwork and the expertise used to create it. 

Investigate the Concepts 

Question your response and the artists’ motives as you experience an artwork. Does the piece elicit a negative or positive reaction from you? What theme or idea is the artist trying to communicate? Is the artist utilizing symbols in space or form? How do the 3D elements enhance or alter the work?  

Engage with Space 

Experience the artwork in multiple dimensions. Unlike 2D art forms, the 3D elements beg the participant to interact with depth and volume. Move around the physical art object. Observe the artwork's interaction with space. Consider angles, texture, light, and shadow. For digital 3D artwork, you can move the object or model to explore various perspectives. In immersive artwork, truly engage with the work. Consider how space and time are transforming through art.  

Appreciate the Influence of Technology 

Technology is pivotal in 3D art, particularly in digital works. No matter how advanced, technology has opened up new creative possibilities for artists and revolutionized the art market. Understanding the influence of technology on 3D art allows viewers to appreciate the work in a forward-thinking manner. 

Appreciate the Skill and Labor Involved

Recognize the artist's expertise. How much time and work has gone into the artwork? There is technical complexity in both digital and physical 3D art.

Explore the Aesthetics

Traditional elements of art (color, form, texture, composition, etc.) are utilized in 3D artwork just as they are in 2D artwork. The use of these elements determines the success of the piece. Consider the composition, lighting, and textures in any work of art. Do these elements play a role in the participant's perspective? Do they communicate what the artist is attempting to say?

Research the Artist

Explore any available information about the artist. Educating yourself on their background, influences, and inspiration can provide valuable context for understanding a work of art.

Reflect on Your Reaction

Did you have a sensory or emotional reaction to the 3D artwork? Consider your feelings and curiosity about the experience. Did the physicality of the artwork affect your senses in any way?

Consider the Role of Time

The element of time plays an important role in many 3D artworks, particularly digital works. How has the piece changed over time? Does the transformation impact your experience?

Investing in 3D Art

Now that you have gained some knowledge and appreciation for 3D art, how should you begin collecting and investing in this space? Whether you decide to invest in physical, digital, or another form of 3D art, there are many details you should consider before making a purchase.

Taste

The most important aspect of art collecting is enjoying the piece you buy and trusting your taste. If a work of art resonates with you and fits your personal style, lean into your instincts. Investing in art is a deeply personal experience, and you should enjoy your investment over time. 

Research

Educate yourself about the artist. Read supplemental materials such as a biography, artistic statement, and resume. Consider their reputation and where they stand within their creative community. Exhibition history, collections, awards, and auction results are all valuable when determining if you want to invest in their work. 

Materials, Display, Shipping, and Storage

Various art forms require different levels of maintenance. Digital art files need proper support and storage. They may come with specific software needs and viewing requirements. Sculptures, installations, and other forms of physical 3D art range in materials, and each may need specific care over time. Understand these materials and what is necessary to ensure preservation. Additionally, consider the space (including lighting and environmental control) necessary for display and what is needed to install the work properly. Logistics are also worth noting. Some 3D works require specialty art shipping and art insurance, which can add to the investment.

Authenticity and Provenance

Authenticity is essential when purchasing art. For physical 3D art, request a certificate of authenticity and provenance documents. The artist or art dealer should sign the certificate and thus confirm that the piece is original. Provenance reports document the artwork's history to help ensure that proper sales have occurred over time. These reports may be necessary for insurance purposes as well. For digital pieces of 3D art, especially NFTs, request blockchain verification. Verified NFTs exist on the blockchain, which acts as a digital certificate of authenticity. A legitimate platform will verify the artist's digital signature. 

Community and Marketplace

The marketplace and community can play a significant role in an artwork's value and cultural significance, especially for digital 3D art. There are reputable platforms that host NFT-based art. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these and check the artist's presence to understand their exposure and reach. Artists are part of a community. Spend time getting familiar with this community by attending artist events, virtually or in person. Follow their social media to gain insight into their community and creative process. 

Price

Compare prices to make an informed decision about any investment. Look at recent sales by the same artist or similar works. If resale is your intention, research the artist's career trajectory and market value trends. Know who to approach if you are hoping to resell a work. 

Conclusion

3D art comes in many forms. Ever-changing materials and technological advancements make this genre one of the most exciting and innovative art forms. Trusting your taste and intuition, and developing an understanding of 3D art in its many forms will help you feel confident when appreciating and investing in 3D art.