Exploring the relationship between AR and Art Tech

Defining Art Tech

Technology has long been considered the tip of the spear for quality-of-life improvements and human progression. As for the spiritual, abstract side of humanity, art fulfills a similar role — enabling us to create and express. In recent years, however, technology has intersected with art in many innovative ways, culminating in a global phenomenon we call “art tech”.

So what exactly is “art tech” and what does it entail? In the broadest sense, art tech is a means of artistic creation harnessing the power of technology to achieve the unachievable. More specifically, it incorporates tech such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 360 projection, and more to enhance artistic meaning, deepen audience experience, and increase immersive interaction.

Art tech, at its essence, is a revolution — where the real and the virtual work in tandem to heighten the subjective art experience and intensify emotional resonance.

The most common art tech: AR

Of all the art tech we most commonly see or experience, AR is one kind that rises above the rest. For a good reason, too.

It’s interactive in real-time and uniquely able to integrate virtual content according to real-life surroundings. Combined, these features make AR incredibly effective at leaving a lasting impression — which is supported by research, too.

According to a study by Neuro-Insight’s UK branch, the brain can retain information 70% more effectively when knowledge is absorbed through an AR experience. On top of that, AR experiences sharpen the focus of both cerebral hemispheres, heightening the sense of immersion and resonance participants can feel.

Applying AR to art exhibitions

Some years ago, The Art Gallery of Ontario hosted ReBlink: an exhibition that doubled as an AR experience, where visitors could unlock modern twists on classic works of art through a custom AR app and their mobile device’s camera. All one had to do was aim the camera lens at a painting, and the piece would come to life in unexpected ways.

One featured painting was Drawing Lots by George Agnew, originally depicting three boys playing together. Through the lens of the AR app, the painting would instantly morph into a scene of three boys looking down, playing with their phones — a critique of the absence of human interaction in the presence of modern technology.

Following ReBlink’s success, a survey distributed to the exhibition's visitors revealed that 84% of the visitors reportedly felt more engaged with the art, with 39% even returning to the images on their phones to experience the augmented artworks again.

Bridging gaps in art education with AR

AR presents possibilities beyond merely interacting with art; this tech can also be applied for educational purposes, as exemplified by Google's integration of AR into their Google Arts & Culture app.

A joint effort between Google and more than 900 museums and curators, Google Arts & Culture boasts a collective of more than 4,000 artists' artworks, with ultra-high resolution image captures of each piece welcoming close examination.

Without needing a plane ticket or a squeeze through the crowd — let alone a step inside a museum — users can instantly access some of the world's most famous, captivating works of art with a simple tap into the Art Projector function. This mechanic allows users to project artwork onto their surrounding environment anywhere, anytime; zoom in on every little detail of each piece; and gain greater insight into the work's history, significance, and other relevant information, such as the artist's backstory.

Beyond the Art Projector function, the app incorporates AR through casual, typical applications such as art-themed image filters. With five filters to choose from — Van Gogh's Self-Portrait and Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring being two — users can integrate their faces into any iconic artwork, transforming selfies into works of art in their chosen artist's distinct style. Fun, artistic, and educational, these app mechanics create a layered interactive experience that bridges every disconnect between the user and the art world, making it accessible to everyone.

Sharing an AR experience

It's clear that AR brings a lot to the table in creating exciting, new artistic experiences for the public. However, there has yet to be a social platform where AR enthusiasts can share their love, experiences, and talent with like-minded AR lovers.

That's where MMITA comes in. A social media platform with sharing functions like any other and plenty of room for passionate communities, MMITA is an AR-forward world free for everyone to explore, engage in, and share.