Augmented reality is fast becoming a well used tool in the world of art. Artists from all over the world have found a use for the technology and have taken to constructing virtual art exhibits in the hearts of several major cities. Augmented reality is most often considered a tool for the marketing and entertainment industries, but as more artists find creative uses for the technology, it is becoming a powerful art medium. This trend is likely to continue as more people gain access to smart phones and other mobile device built specifically with AR in mind.
There are several places throughout the world where new augmented reality art can be experienced. In London’s Museum of Modern Art, the exhibit known as “Talk to Me” features a number of AR projects. One such exhibit, called “Suwappu,” features blocky toys that interact with a digital environment. Another augmented art gallery has been erected in New York City with help from the Green Box Project, which seeks to meld technology and art.
One of the more ambitious art projects using the technology is the “110 Stories” project by Brian August. Using augmented reality, August built a monument to the World Trade Center in New York City. The monument is a full-scale replica of the buildings that were lost and were built to be as realistic as possible. Viewable from a smart phone, the virtual monument fills the void in the city’s skyline left behind by the events of 9/11. The project also encourages those that were impacted by the event to share their memories and comments, which are stored on a website that can be accessed through viewing the monument.
As augmented reality becomes more advanced, it is opening up a new dimension of expression for artists capable of wielding the formidable technology.
