LASCAUX IV: SAVING CAVE ART

The Lascaux Cave, discovered in the southwestern part of France in Sept 1940, is one of the largest and most renowned complex of decorated Palaeolithic art caves. After 20 years, during which hordes of visitors flocked to see the impressive sketches, the cave had to be shut down in order to preserve the paintings from mould and bacteria. For over 50 years now, the cave has kept its secrets to itself. In December 2016, a life-size copy of the entire cave will be inaugurated and opened to the public. This film offers a unique insight into this unmatched human and technical adventure. See how cutting edge 3D technology brings back to life the earliest human paintings and gives birth to the largest cave replica ever built worldwide! Watching today’s painters scrupulously imitating the original artists’ gestures, we will offer viewers new understandings about the meaning and use of these frescoes. 

The Lascaux Cave discovered in the South Western part of France, during WWII is a complex of decorated caves famous for its Palaeolithic art. After 20 years the caves had to be closed to the public in order to preserve the paintings. For over 50 years now the cave has kept its secrets to itself. In November 2016 a life-size copy of the entire cave- the largest cave replica ever made- will open to the public. Over the course of a year, we will follow this incredible human and technical adventure recreating a 3D copy of the cave. As we watch today’s artists, we will bring new understandings about the meanings and use of these frescoes.