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Case StudyJun 18, 2021

Playing with Fire and Ice — An Augmented Reality Art Installation by ON THE CHASE!

Written by Julian Brown RGD, ON THE CHASE! Motion Design

This project is a milestone for me, as I refer to myself as an “artist” as opposed to a “designer” for the first time. It’s refreshing to work on something outside of usual client needs. It’s rewarding to see something come together after years of speculating about possible ideas. This project has reminded me not to wait around for the perfect opportunity. If you make something, then you can make something of it.

CONTEXT

This project is an augmented reality art installation created in collaboration with my wife, fine artist Amy Shackleton. Our mural + AR piece is called “Playing with Fire and Ice.” It features a 50 ft wall mural painted by Amy that I photographed and brought into a digital space. It is combined with my 3D water and ice forms to create the sensation of a flooded gallery space you can walk around in. View the AR on your phone via Instagram. The exhibit was slated to open in April 2021, at the ArtGallery of Northumberland in Cobourg, ON — funded in part by the Ontario Arts Council.

METHODOLOGY 

The initial design challenge was to create an in-person experience at the gallery. The Spark AR platform was chosen for its integration with Facebook and Instagram which meant visitors could easily use their own phones to view it without needing to download a new app. It was also a consideration that with COVID restrictions, visitors may not be comfortable using a provided, communal device. 

INSPIRATION

Playing with Fire and Ice” is inspired by the travels my wife and I have taken across Canada. We’ve visited every province and territory in this incredible country. We’ve observed how the effects of climate change are apparent here and not just in faraway, exotic places. Our forests are burning. Our glaciers are melting. And our waters are flooding. This artwork is meant to take these realities and put them right in front of you.

RESULT

Due to lockdown in Ontario, this exhibition still hasn’t opened! But an incredible — and honestly unintended — consequence of using Spark was that it opened up our project to be viewed byanyone, anywhere. As a result, our installation was curated into Digital Art Month Paris for June 2021. The event brings AR filter art into public spaces via QR code signage. Our project is currently on view in Trocadero Pl., with a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower behind! See digitalartmonth.com for more on the festival.

CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Shackleton, Artist Collaborator

 


Julian Brown RGD

ON THE CHASE! Motion Design

Julian Brown is ON THE CHASE! Julian creates ‘motion-first’ brands and content for smart clients (Sport Chek, University of Toronto, Cineplex, World Wildlife Fund). His motion design & branding projects have been awarded by Graphis, The Webbys, Adobe and many more. Julian is a speaker on motion design, running a solo studio, and, sometimes, telling people why their offices f*cking suck. He serves as a VP on the Board of Directors for RGD, Canada’s largest design association. Julian is a York/Sheridan Toronto alumni, a world traveller, and this one time he starred alongside his dog in a TV ad for pet food. It was adorable.

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