Seven teams of local artists including illustrators, animators, and musicians collaborated to create a collection of augmented reality artworks that were on display as part of the City of Kelowna’s ‘Meet Me on Bernard’ events in the summer of 2021.
Funded by the City of Kelowna Temporary Art in Public Spaces program, and facilitated by the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art and Kelowna Art Gallery, the works presented as part of AR Bernard explore themes ranging from the natural environment and Kelowna city life to whimsical stories of fictional characters.
Augmented Reality technology allows the viewer to add an enhanced layer of images, movement, and sound to their immediate surroundings by looking through their smartphone. For many participating artists, it was the first time creating work to be presented in this medium. Andrew Stauffer, a participating artist, describes his experience: “As a musician, this project has provided me with a new way to collaborate with artists across disciplines, and see my work presented to new audiences through technology I haven’t used before.”
The seven artworks were displayed between the 300-500 blocks on Bernard Avenue from July 1 – September 7, 2021. After downloading the AUGLE app, viewers could point their smartphone at the artworks to see the illustrations come to life.
