Author: Feraye Savasir
Professor: Jan Avgikos
Date: November 1, 2022
A fascinating study shows that human beings are hardwired to think visually and three dimensionally (Reuell). Language seems to be incorporated into our thinking later in the evolutionary development of our species. Even when we force ourselves to think in words, or while talking to ourselves, inadvertently images come to accompany our thoughts. More than 50% of the human brain is devoted to processing visual information (Hagen). Similarly, over 65% of the population are visual learners, which again supports the claim that human thought process is mostly visual (Bradford).
It is self-evident that we are visual creatures. Seeing and looking play a huge role in not only learning but understanding our reality, as well as being able to enjoy it. Exactly why art has been a part of human development since the beginning of our existence. Not surprisingly, technological innovations, such as Augmented Reality (AR), are implemented in art-making as soon as it was possible.
The concept of AR was first introduced to the world by an American computer scientist, Ivan Sutherland, in 1968 (Javornik). However, at the time the technology was not sufficient to implement what he had in mind. In 1975, first virtual reality interface was developed by the American computer artist Myron Krueger. Scientist and researcher Thomas P. Caudell coined the term ‘Augmented Reality’ while working to develop the Boeing 747 for the Boeing company. He realized that the use of a screen would be more helpful for the workers who oversaw assembling the new aircraft (Cizmeci). Many other breakthroughs in AR came to life between then and today. Especially in the last decade, AR has been employed almost in every industry.
What is the definition of Augmented Reality, and how can it be used in art? Ronald Azuma, an American computer scientist who is widely recognized for his works in augmented reality defines AR in three categories (Azuma):
1) Combines real and virtual
2) Interactive in real time
3) Registered in 3-D
Hence, we can define Augmented Reality art as the digital art or image you see using AR technology which looks 3D without the help of virtual reality goggles. For now, two types of augmented reality art are being used within the limits of the technology. One is prompted by specific images which is called marker-based AR, and the other one which appears on the user’s immediate environment and can be called markerless AR. Artists create 3D pieces which are called “virtual assets” using software programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Then, they can use various AR applications to layer these 3D objects over each other. It is possible to use videos, sound, and animation as well.
AR is already changing how artists create art and how viewers experience art. AR is lifting the veil or the filter between the reality we experience with our 5 senses and the virtual. This art medium or tool, however you define it, has more philosophical implications than any tool artists have used earlier in history. AR art is enabling painters and digital artists to go beyond the 2D surface of the canvas, and for the sculptors it is helping to push the boundaries of their 3D creations. Mural artists are creating live 3D frescos and friezes in city parks and streets where the residents of the area can directly interact and immerse themselves in the artwork. The audience can literally walk into the artwork, change it, move it and even speak with it.
The only challenge to the artists who would like to incorporate AR in their art works is to learn the technology which is still developing. However, more and more user-friendly applications are helping artists to create AR art without the deep knowledge of 3D technology. AR can be a functional tool for an artist to bring their art into our 3D reality and create more immersive participation for their audience. For the art lovers, AR is offering delightfully whimsical and fantastical art viewing experiences. One can feel as if you are walking into the art piece or directly interacting with it. AR art can look and feel supernatural and concretely physical at the same time. This level of direct participation has never been achieved before, and provides endless possibilities for creating art.
Historically, artists are not considered while developing new technologies, but they are critical to the progression of any technology, especially if it involves visual representation. Hence, it is the duty of AR artists to understand its capabilities and how these capabilities can be applied to create new art. Artists who are in general naturally epistemophilic, have used emerging technologies, such as film and photography, to come up with impressive content in the past. This intrinsic tendency is continuing with AR usage. Experimenting with this newfound tool is thrilling and complicated, particularly due to its technical limitations. However, despite its current limitations, AR is fully embraced by the art world. The challenge is to go beyond the fascination with the possibilities this technology offers at the moment, and pushing it to create new forms and content, instead of remaining occupied with the magic of the technology.
How is AR shaping the future of art? First real implementation of AR in art world has begun with the Art Museums using AR technology in their exhibits. Art sales also made easy and fun with the application of AR where the art lovers can see the art pieces they consider purchasing in 3D. From Street Art to Digital Art, AR is becoming a new visual language to employ for artists to take their creativity to new levels. The limitations of a canvas are no longer a challenge for the artists who are embracing AR in their artworks. For the audience, they are able to engage with the artworks in real time and interact with it in ways that were never possible before. The head of AR Strategy Department at Roblox Studio, Stefano Corazzo says, “Augmented reality is a game changer. I think it allows artists to make the world incredibly playful, and to engage people in a deeply emotional way.” The technology itself has a long way to go, before becoming an everyday tool for all artists, however the possibilities are there, and many artists are fully incorporating AR in their practice. AR is a major component of the Digital Art Revolution of the 21st Century, and although it is possible to predict some of the ways it will be changing the art world, it is impossible to know where it can take art and art making. This is the thrill of learning and applying new tools and mediums in art.
Works Cited
Azuma, Ronald. “A Survey of Augmented Reality.” In Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments 6, 4 (August 1997), 355-385. https://www.cs.unc.edu/~azuma/ARpresence.pdf Accessed, 15 Oct. 2022.
Bradford, William C. “Reaching the Visual Learner: Teaching Property Through Art”. Sept 1, 2011, The Law Teacher vol. 11, 2004, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=587201 Accessed 15 Oct. 2022.
Cizmeci, Daglar. “History of Augmented Reality: How AR Became What It Is Today.” 15 Sept. 2021, https://daglar-cizmeci.com/history-of-ar/.
Hagen, Susan. “The Mind’s Eye.” March–April, 2012, Rochester Review, vol. 74, no. 4, https://www.rochester.edu/pr/Review/V74N4/0402_brainscience.html Accessed 17 Oct. 2022.
Javornik, Ana. “The Mainstreaming of Augmented Reality: A Brief History.” Technology And Analytics, 04 Oct. 2016, https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-mainstreaming-of-augmented-reality-a-brief-history.
Reuell, Peter. “The Power of Picturing Thoughts.” 11 May 2017,
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