Augmenting the Power of Artwork Through a Virtual Reality Partnered Piece
Joseph Robson, Felix Dodd · Electronic workshops in computing · 2019
This paper seeks to challenge the existing state of ‘augmented reality’ within the visual arts. Currently the majority of augmented reality applications are little more than gimmicks viewed through a mobile phone or tablet. The augmentation is generally limited by the hardware restrictions, and even when using high end equipment such as the Microsoft HoloLens the reduced field of digital overlay leads to a weakened immersive experience. Working alongside various artists and Anise Gallery A-VR have pioneered the ‘partnered piece’ concept through the creation of bespoke curated VR (Virtual Reality) experiences which accompany the original physical artwork. The VR pieces themselves can exist as standalone experiences but when viewed alongside related artwork they increase the power of the whole tremendously. Focussing on a number of example projects this paper charts our investigations into producing the most immersive additive experience to physical artwork. The implementation of such a virtual reality partnered piece has influenced and refined the language of our VR production. The strength of the immersive experience often having profound emotional effects on the viewers and demonstrates the power of a truly ‘augmented’ creative experience.