For most people, the application of technology to visual arts begins and ends with AI generated paintings, or maybe animation of still images for the ones who love to explore.
Visual artist Ife Olowu has however taken technology in arts not just up a notch, but a whole step higher with his interesting application of AR to his artistry.
His AR embedded collection titled “COLOURED REALITY” is a collection of eight paintings that comes alive when viewed through a smartphone.
What does AR mean?
AR (Augmented reality) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory.
It is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli and delivered via technology.
AR blends digital and three-dimensional (3D) components with an individual’s perception of the real world and is used to either visually change natural environments in some way or to provide additional information.
Introducing his tech enhanced collection “COLOURED REALITY” to his Instagram followers in a post, Ife Olowu wrote; “Coloured Reality showcases my ability to bring traditional art forms to life through the use of tech. I aim to demonstrate the potentials of tech and art to coexist and enhance each other.”
The collection includes;
●“Yellow Lagos“, a painting of Lagos highways which comes alive with the sound of cars speeding through the road,
●”Rawani“, a northerner starts to play a beautiful tune on a flute.
● ” Matafiyi“, the painting that smoke a cigarette.
● “Makoko“, the painting of a popular neighborhood in Lagos comes alive with rain and lightning.
● “Olmara“, a woman that gets butterflies as she is being praised.
Other paintings in the collection are
● “Identity“
● “Busy Lagos” and
● ” Benin Expedition of 1897″
When asked what inspired the infusion, Ife Olowu said he had always wanted to do something different with his paintings. He recalled stumbling on AR during the COVID 19 lockdown 3 years ago. He said, “I saw the future and how possible it is to infuse it into what I do and stand out.”
The Lagos based virtual artist launched this collection in June 2022 and has since showcased them in different exhibitions.
The AR embedded paintings have continued to stir the same expressions of awe from the pleasantly surprised viewers and art enthusiasts.
Ife believes “the future is tech and the future is art”. He therefore calls his version of visual arts “the art of the future.”
Speaking of the future, Ife Olowu gave a peek into his next exhibition.
According to the “Art of the Future” creator, his next exhibition will feature viewing glasses that will transport viewers into a virtual reality of the paintings being viewed.
The painter said he “seeks to create art that not only celebrates tradition but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible.”
Coloured Reality is the first of its kind in Nigeria and has caught both local and international attention.
Ife’s story and work has been featured on major news platforms including CNN and the French speaking station, TV5 monde .
His works have also been created as NFTs and according to CNN’s Zain Asher’s report, each painting costs about $10,000.
