VMF Winter Arts Kicks Off Feb.12!
From February 12-28, VMF Winter Arts transforms Vancouver’s streets, plazas and alleyways into an open-air gallery featuring augmented reality (AR). During this time, Vancouverites can safely explore the city and discover digital art by local and international artists using their own personal smartphones.
The past year, more than ever, has demonstrated the positive impact and importance of public art and public space for the well-being of individuals and communities. Last spring’s #MakeArtWhileApart murals on boarded-up storefronts brightened streets and inspired hope at the start of the pandemic. Over the summer, Vancouver Mural Festival expanded to 9 neighbourhoods with over 60 murals to support more communities, artists and local businesses.
Now, VMF pivots again to create a safe, new live experience to bring joy and inspiration to our city, while supporting local communities. Harnessing technology to highlight the transformative power of art, VMF Winter Arts brings together artists—locally and globally—to create over 20 augmented reality artworks in 17 locations throughout Vancouver’s core. Despite travel limitations, the digital nature of augmented reality enabled artists from around the world to come together virtually to create 20+ AR experiences that are as diverse as the roster of artists and curators (over 50% BIPOC).
ARTISTS:
AKA Collective * Laine Butler/Ashwell Woodland *
Casey Koyczan ** Ngô Kỳ Duyên aka Jo (Vietnam) *
Electrifly (USA) * Syrus Marcus Ware *
Eric Wagliardo (USA) * Tracey Kim Bonneau **
Ernest Swanson* & Mark Illing T'uy't'tanat **
Extra Crunchy (Israel) * Will Selviz *
iheartblob (UK/Austria) * Yuan Zhang
kenxxxooo (Japan) * Zac George **
Krista Hilge *
Read more about the artists here!
* Curated by Tom Kuo
**Curated by IM4
To experience the AR, users simply need to grab their phones and hit the streets! Find the AR locations with the free VMF mobile app or downloadable digital maps. Scan QR codes at each location with your phone camera, then select Instagram or Facebook to activate the AR filter! Watch the magic come alive!
To accompany the augmented reality experience on the street, VMF has partnered with the Vancouver Public Library to host a series of free online public workshops and discussions to highlight participating artists, and offer opportunities for dialogue and connection around the artwork:
Feb.16 (7pm): Get to Know The Artists Behind VMF Winter Arts
Feb.24 (7pm): How is Indigenous Storytelling Transforming Immersive Technology?
Feb.25 (12pm): Augmenting Your Art: How to Get Started As An AR Creator
BONUS:
While most of #VMFWinterArts is AR artwork, this installation, sponsored by Vancouver Pride Society at Bute & Davie pop-up plaza is real; really real.
Introducing (S.M.I.L.E.): Subspace Multi-channel Inductive Lattice Energizer by @benzcooper and @samm.z.cooper.
The concept behind this large-scale, experimental electrical assemblage is to realign your human consciousness by converting negative thoughts and emotions into positive ones. The illuminated portal is purpose-built for transforming the previous turbulent year into a new dawn. Walking through the illuminated circuitry will transmute your electrons, aligning your molecules toward optimism and success. All this by neutralizing the micro-optic transduction within the subspace photons. Presto!
By definition, “augment” means to “make something greater by adding to it”. Until we can reconvene again, we hope VMF Winter Arts augments your day/week/year. Thank you for sharing this experience with us!
VMF Winter Arts is presented by Downtown Vancouver BIA.
