Bringing paintings to life: An interview with MMI alumna Miriam Verkerk

Could you share a bit about your educational journey? 

Miriam: ‘My path started at MBO as a graphics design student at the Graphic Lyceum in Rotterdam. I then pursued a degree in Communication and Multimedia Design at Avans University of Applied Sciences. During my undergraduate years, I realised I wanted to push myself further, leading me to explore master’s programmes. I discovered the Master Media Innovation at BUas, which struck a perfect balance between research and practical application, something I was very interested in. It was a challenging yet rewarding decision, and I am very happy I made it.’ 

Tell us about your master’s thesis, The Living Paintings Tour 

Miriam: ‘I have always been interested in art, technology, and working with children. During a museum visit, I noticed how quickly children lost interest in paintings, often turning to their phones instead. It made me wonder how we could bridge that gap and make art engaging for younger audiences.’  

‘My project aimed to bring paintings to life using deepfake technology and augmented reality. By pointing their phones at a painting, children could learn more about the story behind the painting and what is depicted in the painting, by hearing the stories of the characters that come to life. The goal was to spark curiosity and encourage children to spend more time appreciating art.’ 

How did you develop the concept? 

Miriam: ‘It started with identifying the challenges, like the way static images fail to capture the attention of children that are more used to dynamic content. I looked into existing research on how people engage with visual media and used that as a foundation. The project had one primary feature: characters in paintings telling what is depicted in the painting and the 'hidden' message, through storytelling. I used augmented reality (AR), audio recording, and deepfake modelling to bring the idea to life. Testing with young people in elementary school helped refine the concept, making it both educational and engaging.’ 

What was the most challenging aspect of the project? 

Miriam: ‘The research aspect. I come from a design background, so diving deep into academic research was quite a challenge at first. The process required me to think differently. I had to learn how to formulate a clear research question and structure the study around it. It was tough, but it taught me valuable skills I still use in my work today.’ 

Speaking of work, what are you currently doing? 

Miriam: ‘I am a content creator for the Evangelical Broadcasting Organisation (EO), where I work on children’s programmes like Rachel Valt Binnen and Saïd and Anna. I am also part of the innovation and digital team, working on projects for NPO (the Dutch public broadcasting service). For example, we are currently exploring how AI can enhance both internal processes and audience engagement. It is exciting to apply research and innovation in real-world scenarios, and I genuinely enjoy the variety in my role.’ 

How has your master's degree prepared you for your current job? 

Miriam: ‘The master’s programme gave me the tools to approach challenges systematically. Whether it is developing reports, conducting research, or applying insights, I use those skills a lot. Without this degree, I would have felt less equipped to tackle the complexities of innovation and digital projects at EO. It has been a game-changer for my career.’ 

What are your future plans? 

Miriam: ‘I would love to revisit The Living Paintings Tour and see how it could evolve with new technologies. The idea of creating interactive art experiences for children still excites me.’ 

Want to learn more about Miriam’s journey or connect with her? Visit her LinkedIn profile.