LACMA, the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 142,000 works of art has just initiated a special project, bringing together artists and creatives to create virtual monuments that reflect on the history of Los Angeles.
It’s called “Monumental Perspectives” and was created in partnership with SnapChat, which turned the project into a reality. Using the app, thanks to the external camera it will be possible to see the new installations designed for the Southern California city.
In all, 5 artists have taken part, who have created as many works for the city. To admire all the works just follow a map inside the app that will guide you step by step to discover the extraordinary installations. But living in Los Angeles is not a prerequisite to see the installations, thanks to SnapChat you can admire them from anywhere in the world, even on your couch.
Let’s find out in detail what these 5 talented artists have done.
The first work in AR that you see in the video is by Ruben Ochoa, who decided to dedicate his personal effort to street vendors, a true symbol of the city.
The installation is titled “¡vendedores, presente! “, a re-enactment of the artist’s memories, when after school passing by that very park, where you can see it, he always stopped to get an ice cream.
The second installation bears the signature of Glenn Kaino and is titled “No Finish Line”. His intricate clock is inspired by the Games of the Tenth Olympiad, also known as Los Angeles ’32, a significant event for the American city that from that moment on has totally changed.
Another round, another installation, Ada Pinkston has created “The Open Hand is Blessed”.
A work dedicated entirely to Biddy Mason, a true symbol of the African-American community in Los Angeles, famous for the petition submitted to the American court, but not only.
Now it’s Mercedes Dorame’s turn to create “Portal for Tovaangar” for “Monumental Perspectives”.
The installation, born to challenge every physical law, with its floating elements wants to be an expansion of our perception, a simple expansion of our imagination.
“Think Big” is the latest installation created by I.R. Bach. The work seeks to inspire self-reflection as one moves through the park. An interactive basketball guides the viewer through five life-size animations. The experience is accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by I.R. Bach, with vocal improvisations by Dwight Trible.
While waiting for museums to reopen, LACMA has found a way to keep culture from standing still, exploring the combination of art and augmented reality that could prove successful in the coming years, if not months.
