Depth Estimation is a 3D printed sculpture made from corn starch with inkjet transfer, based on algorithmic depth estimation of a photograph. The work was created for the group exhibition "Opløsning af Det Private Arkiv" aboard the ship Svartlöga in Copenhagen.
The exhibition featured 26 contemporary artists responding to photographs that had been recovered from the ship Svartlöga after it capsized and sank in August 2018. The photographs were found in a cabin after the vessel had spent seven days on the seabed, having been exposed to three atmospheres of pressure and salt water. The photo album was discovered among the salvaged items when the ship was recovered.
The exhibition took place in various locations throughout the ship, including the forecastle, aft cabin, engine room, and deck. Artists were invited through an open call to create works in dialogue with the water-damaged photographs.
Ørum's contribution used algorithmic depth estimation to analyse one of the recovered photographs and generate a three-dimensional interpretation. This computational process was then used to create a 3D printed object in corn starch. The inkjet transfer process applied the processed imagery to the printed form.
The exhibition was the second presentation by OXER and was supported by Statens Kunstfond. Original photographs were by Henrik Grønborg, with exhibition photography by Billedmageren.