What is augmented reality art?

Ever since one of my TikTok videos went viral, I have had tons of people asking me about what AR is and how it works.

I want to briefly explain what it is, how it works, and how I am applying it to my artwork to create dream-like versions of my illustrations.

Augmented reality is basically an interactive experience of a real-world environment.

Augmented reality works by combining an existing artwork with a platform that will allow the AR component to work. In my case, I use an Instagram filter to make my stickers and postcards come to life.

There is a free program called Spark AR that allows users to build and upload filters to both Instagram and Facebook. The AR community is extremely active and helpful and you can find a myriad of resources, including tutorials, to get you started on your augmented reality journey if it’s something that interests you..

I think the applications of augmented reality on art are going to be endless and it’s a portal that will lead us, artists, to explore things we have not even dreamed of before! It’s an exciting moment, there’s a huge interest and sense of awe with this technology, and it feels great being able to partake in it.

Do you currently merge your art, illustrations, or paintings, with augmented reality?

Augmented Reality Illustrations and Instagram Filters

I have created a video about the art process for my first Augmented Reality illustration which was exhibited for the first time last month right at the start of this Coronavirus craziness. I talk about the concept behind this piece - a visual response to a poem written by a man while in confinement, as part of the Free On The Inside Program at the Everglades Correctional Institution here in Florida. You will also get some insight into my process as an illustrator and the steps I had to take to bring this project to its fruition. It's not very specific about the augmented reality portion, but more of a global artistic process. I think some of you might enjoy this. :)

My First Augmented Reality Illustration - "From The Inside" Group Exhibit

Proud to announce that I will be part of a new group exhibit called "From The Inside" that will take place at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. Join us this Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 for the opening reception. This project is quite special because it's first time I have ever had the chance to participate in something like this, interpreting a poem created by a man in a Correctional Institution and creating a piece of art to bring his written words to life. I am also particularly excited because this will be my first public Augmented Reality artwork. The attending audience will be able to activate a special Instagram filter to bring the artwork displayed on the wall to life.

From the Inside highlights the men who participate in the Free on the Inside Program at Everglades Correctional Institution. Created by Sharonda Eccentrich Richardson, this program is designed to introduce, educate and cultivate the positive impact of poetry in the prison system. These programs are specifically designed to awaken moral responsibility, positive and effective communication skills, self-awareness and positive outlets to incarcerated men and women.

"This exhibition will display original poems and visual art based on the poetry From the Inside writing program allowing natural energy, true emotion and support flow from the inside out!”

More info at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/program/inside-exhibition-opening-reception

Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA)

41 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060