Learn how we worked with Knownsense Studios and Faber Creative Services at ISE 2026
At ISE 2026, we showcased how our technology can open up new possibilities. From projection mapping onto a model elephant to technology like our Sapphire 4K40-RGBH projector with a dual-illumination source for stunning color, we focused on delivering an exceptional show experience for visitors.
One of the busiest experiences on our stand was an interactive projection mapping display onto three masks. Visitors were invited to take part in the content development by creating the artwork to project onto a Venetian, Indian, or Chinese opera mask. Illuminated by our new Korus Series 4K 1DLP projectors paired with a Ross Video media server, the masks came alive with color.
We worked closely with our partners, Knownsense Studios and Faber Creative Services (FCS), to bring this dynamic experience to the show. We had a chance to catch up with Mandeep Sharma from Knownsense and Matt Finke from FCS to learn about the inspiration, execution, and challenges involved.
Creating an evocative display
When asked about the idea of using masks as the visual element in this display, Mandeep points to the human, emotional element. “Masks are deeply rooted in almost every culture, from African to Indian traditions, making them an object that everyone instinctively connects with.”
Masks also pose a technical challenge. “This project hides sophisticated AI behind a simple, intuitive interface. The result is not just a visual display but an experience where users feel personally involved—merging art and technology into meaningful connections,” says Mandeep.
Christie's Joel St. Denis tells rAVe about the Korus Series and the mask display at ISE 2026
Custom content – designed by attendees
We first debuted the Indian mask at InfoComm India, working closely with Knownsense to develop the idea, content, and technical execution of the display.
Ahead of the show, Knownsense shaped the user journey and developed the AI software that generates custom content. “Because Knownsense Studios has extensive experience in AI and software development, we already understood the core ingredients required,” explains Mandeep. “This allowed seamless integration with the projection hardware and smooth execution within the timeline.
"Even non-artists enjoy making something beautiful. Immediate visual feedback from the Christie projectors validated their choices, increasing emotional investment, engagement, and dwell time." - Mandeep Sharma, Knownsense Studios
For ISE 2026, FCS created the content displayed on the Venetian and Chinese opera masks, adding to the Indian mask by Knownsense. Matt notes that they wanted to make the display easy for attendees to manipulate, which posed a couple of challenges: “The technical challenge was to find the right way of programming and using the connected interface.”
Guests used touch panels to manipulate and change the content that was projection mapped onto the trio of masks.
“The creative and content challenge was to animate as many variations as possible on the masks. To do this, we used AI support, feeding prompts into hardware-based AI systems. First, to create inspiring still images based on the cultural and structural considerations of the 3D models. These were then manipulated and turned into frame-based animations for playout,” adds Matt.
FCS considered the colors and forms relevant to each mask and incorporated them into their animations. They tested the final output and simulated the guest experience using 3D-printed miniaturized versions of the masks in their studio.
Bringing the display to ISE
Three Korus Series projectors were used to display custom, user-generated content onto the masks. “Interactivity was the key differentiator,” says Mandeep. “Instead of a passive loop, the experience required visitor input. By allowing theme selection, we tapped into the universal desire to create. Even non-artists enjoy making something beautiful. Immediate visual feedback from the Christie projectors validated their choices, increasing emotional investment, engagement, and dwell time.”
Our partners leveraged AI to help create the content that was projection mapped onto the trio of masks.
“The booth environment meant the installation would be viewed from many angles,” explains Mandeep. “We designed the physical Indian mask with strong 3D features—extruded nose, deep-set eyes, and defined lips. Mapping content respected this geometry, with lighting, shadows, and highlights aligned to the physical form. This preserved depth and realism, whether viewers stood directly in front or observed from the side.”
Creative vision meets projection technology
The display was a stand highlight for us at ISE, demonstrating the magic that happens when trusted partners and robust technologies come together.
“This collaboration demonstrates the massive scalability of interactive projection when advanced artificial intelligence is paired with state-of-the-art projection technology,” says Mandeep. “We proved that real-time AI generation, driven by sophisticated, high-end software, can be seamlessly combined with precise projection mapping at a defined scale—but the true potential goes far beyond this installation.
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The project clearly shows that when advanced creative software, artificial intelligence, and Christie’s powerful projectors come together, any surface—small or monumental—can become a living, intelligent, and interactive canvas capable of creating moments of true wonder.”
