Introduction to Augmented Reality
Augmented reality, or AR, is a technology that overlays computer-generated images, text, or graphics onto the actual world. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a wholly digital environment, AR adds to the user’s physical surroundings. You might need interacted with AR while walking in downtown Des Moines or visiting the Iowa State Fair, perhaps when prompted to have a look at a mural or artwork through your phone camera.
What is Augmented Reality?
Popular examples of AR include the tech behind Pokémon Go or certain Snapchat and Instagram filters. It will also be used to make artwork come to life. For instance, a big mural recently went up on the west side of the parking garage at 901 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Painted by Dutch artist Leon Keer in collaboration with the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and Principal Financial Group, the mural, Nature’s algorithm, plays moving snapshots from scenes across Iowa on a pile of stacked retro TVs when viewed through the muse’s app.
Bringing Art to Life
“Augmented reality adds a layer of interactivity to an artwork,” said Executive Director Alexa McCarthy. "We wanted something that might be interactive and maybe hopefully invigorate a whole latest generation of users through technology.” The installation, which can remain on display for six years, marks the start of a broader initiative to bring AR-compatible murals to Des Moines. McCarthy said she hopes the mural sparks interest from local artists to create an augmented reality mural series in the world.
Augmented Reality in Central Iowa
Multiple projects in central Iowa have utilized augmented reality technology for public art and interactives through Urbandale-based VAEZR Studio, a division of Zirous, Inc., a technology firm in West Des Moines. The studio has collaborated with the Iowa State Fair for years on multiple projects, including augmented reality games and activated murals, through which users scan a QR code to make their "activated graphics" come to life with their phone cameras.
Community Engagement
The city of Adel partnered with VAEZR and Lashier Graphics last 12 months to create a mural that might be activated using augmented reality. VAEZR spokesperson Regan Heckman said that while the mural has remained the identical, its activation has been modified multiple times since, including for the town’s Sweet Corn Festival in August. “The most enjoyable part, to me, is just the innovation and the creativity and in addition the flexibleness for it to alter," she said. "The physical mural never has to alter, but we are able to change the activation every day. We can have it programmed for certain events.”
The Future of Public Art
Using augmented reality for interactive art is a approach to keep public works fresh and exciting. "I just think that it is very unique and cutting-edge. I feel prefer it’s perceived thoroughly, even by all age demographics. So that is really cool to see — it resonates with everyone,” Heckman said. This technology offers countless possibilities for artists and communities to interact with one another in latest and modern ways.
Conclusion
Augmented reality is changing the way in which we experience and interact with public art. From murals that come to life to interactive games and events, AR is providing a brand new layer of depth and engagement to our physical surroundings. As this technology continues to evolve, it should be exciting to see how artists and communities in Des Moines and beyond use it to create unique and modern experiences. With its ability so as to add interactivity and suppleness to public art, augmented reality is bound to play a significant role in the longer term of art and community engagement.
