The space between Project

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  “The simulacrum is never what hides the truth - it is truth that hides the fact that there is none. The simulacrum is true. –Ecclesiastes”

Baudrillard, Jean. Simulacra and Simulation. University of Michigan Press, 1994, p. 1.

AR constructs layers of reality that challenge or blend with our perceptions of the "real." In this AR art project, I reflect on how the digital overlays, referent images and communication devices become part of the experienced reality, questioning whether the "augmented" is less authentic than the "real" or simply another form of truth. 

Spaces between the intersection of realms of public space, technology, and imagination. What would public spaces look like if sculptures come alive? The past meets the future? The future becomes dystopian? Maman builds a nest, has babies? Curious bear finds dancing bear? 

Is art outside the gallery in an assigned public space, in the street, on your phone, in the hallway, in a photograph, in the realm of augmented reality, imagined through AI, or a conceptual, technological exploration of the imagination?

In this project I place art in public spaces through layering augmented reality onto referent images of public spaces. The connection between the actual space and the imagined comes through technological, conceptual and geographical links which you access through a QR code with your device and either stand in the space or point to a referent image in a photograph or on your computer.

Project began with thinking about “what if” scenarios in public spaces and using photographic images, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, virtual objects, and public  images to create imagined spaces.

The four spaces reimagined started with referent images of Ottawa sites in the Arts Corridor and Byward Market  including Clarendon Lane Courtyard, Jeanne D'arc Courtyard that houses the Dancing Bear sculpture by artist Pauta Saila, and the National Art Gallery that exhibits Maman by Louise Bourgeois. 

AI images were generated by providing referent image to articficial intelligence platform and multiple detailed prompts. This was a trial and error process to find images that resembled the spaces in an old forest past and dystopian future.  

The technologies and mediums utilized include Artificial Intelligence platforms, digital photography, Adobe Aero, Photoshop and Paintshop Pro, Codepen, Bitly, Poppy, Mind AR, Image FX, QR codes. 

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