Augmented Reality Art Videos Hit Regina Streets

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"Moving PIctures" poster (photo by Art Gallery of Regina)

The Art Gallery of Regina is bringing a new series of video art to Saskatchewan streets via augmented-reality posters that let passersby screen the works on their smartphones.

It sounds complicated, but the gallery says it's straightfoward once you download the free Artivive app. When the app is open, viewers simply position the trigger image on the poster so it fills the cellphone screen.

It's all part of Moving Pictures, which allows social distanced screening during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Moving Pictures does not require people to gather in enclosed spaces," the gallery says. "Instead, it invites viewers to walk, observe and explore their neighbourhoods and encounter enchanting short videos by artists nearly anywhere: a big box store parking lot, bicycle path or well-travelled street.

"By placing artworks in spaces casually traversed by the public daily, Moving Pictures expands options for experiencing contemporary art and removes many physical, social and economic barriers, both real and perceived."

A new series of films, curated by Sandee Moore, launches Sept. 26, in conjunction with Culture Days, and includes work by Saskatchewan artists Rania AlHarthi, John Graham, Lindsey Rewuski and David Garneau, who works with Peter Brass. 

"They employ storytelling approaches that range from mournfully poetic collages, to revealing juxtapositions of modern Canada with cultural traditions, to abstract visions that provoke reflection on the universal mysteries of existence," the gallery says.

A previous series, launched in mid-August, featured videos by artists Linsday Arnold, Dennis Jackson, Graeme Patterson, Ian Campbell and Heidi Phillips, and Theo Pelmus with Kristin Snowbird.

Moving Pictures is available in Regina, Shaunavon, Leader, Regina Beach, Yorkton, Estevan and additional sites. See www.artgalleryofregina.ca for  poster locations.

Viewers outside Saskatchewan can access the Moving Pictures program as a free, on-demand screening, with French translations, through the VUCAVU platform.

The project runs until Oct. 26.

Source: Art Gallery of Regina