In the heart of Atlanta, a unique fusion of art and technology is unfolding, offering a fresh perspective on the city's iconic murals. This innovative project, titled 'Altera Art: ATL', is a testament to the power of augmented reality (AR) and its ability to breathe new life into established art forms.
Unveiling a Digital Sanctuary
Imagine standing beneath the Edgewood Avenue bridge, gazing at the vibrant 'Somos Borincanos' mural. With a simple scan of your phone, the mural transforms into a digital sanctuary, a mesmerizing AI/AR installation by filmmaker Nicki Lynch. It's an immersive experience, where visitors can add names to a glowing constellation, accompanied by a custom track blending hip-hop, gospel, and Latin rhythms. This is just one stop on the Altera Art tour, where eight murals across Atlanta have been given a digital makeover.
The Paradox of Analog and Digital
At first glance, the idea of AR enhancing murals might seem contradictory. Murals are inherently analog, a slow and enduring art form, while AR is temporary and generated on-the-fly. However, Natalia Gonzalez, founder of Altera, the media company behind the tour, saw an opportunity to bring these contrasting elements together. She envisioned a way to 'bring [the murals] into life in a new, fresh way', and thus, the Altera Art tour was born.
Cross-Medium Collaboration
The tour emerged from a unique fellowship program. Over four days, a diverse group of individuals, many with no technical background, participated in intensive workshops to learn 8th Wall and other AR tools. They then collaborated directly with the original muralists, creating AR layers that extended and enhanced the existing art. The result was a collection of eight winning pieces, each earning its creator $1,000 and a place on the Altera Art trail.
AR Transformations
In Cabbagetown, FoxySwine's psychedelic Cheshire cat mural comes to life with an AR layer by Mikey DiCenso. The cat coughs up a soccer ball, and Wonderland predicts the World Cup's winner. At the Center for Puppetry Arts, FoxySwine's dragon mural transforms into 'Dancing Dragon' under the creative vision of AR artist Domitri Parker. In Inman Park, the iconic 'WE ♥ ATL' mural by YikYak and olive47 gets a heartbeat thanks to AR artist Dr. Ric Mathis. And at Sweet Auburn Trail Stop #12, Dana Xavier Dojnik's 'Women of Auburn' AR layer resurrects the demolished Auburn Branch Carnegie Library, a powerful tribute to Atlanta's African American history.
Interactive Experiences
TeMika Grooms's 'Digital Remix Signal Box' in Little Five Points unlocks an interactive AR game under artist James Lindsay. Visitors can tap to begin, scan for hidden tokens, and beat challenges, all under the title 'The Flow'. Killamari Yo!'s mural marking AAPI Heritage Month now carries a playful AR layer by Winston Mayo, allowing visitors to hear the muralist's story and a comedy short about the characters.
The Future of Altera Art
The Altera Art: ATL tour, in partnership with the City of Atlanta and other organizations, runs through July 31. While its future beyond that date is uncertain, Altera is already expanding into Altera Media, with more experiences and studio work on the horizon. The project's impact is evident, with Gonzalez highlighting Dana Xavier Dojnik's 'Women of Auburn' as a standout piece that showcases the power of these tools to bring stories to life and solidify the place of Black women in Atlanta's history.
This innovative fusion of art and technology not only enhances the city's murals but also leaves a lasting creative mark on Atlanta, offering a unique and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
