InSight AR is a site-specific location-based Augmented Reality project originally produced for the popular Sculptures by the Sea Bondi exhibition to be held in Sydney Australia in October/November 2020. The work forms uncanny relations between virtual sculptures, visitors, the environment and the art on site. The virtual figures are presented as 3D computer models of classical and neo-classical sculptures with a semi-translucent ghost-like appearance. They represent a volume and at the same time, frame the surrounding and allow visitors to pose and interact with the objects.
The project consists of three parts. The primary work is for the outdoor exhibition on the coast walk. It utilises AR plane detection in combination with geographical location to position the sculptures. A second element is InSide AR, shown at the Sculpture by the Sea Bondi Inside exhibition. An interactive and playful AR experience where the viewer can engage with and disrupt a gathering of a group of classical sculptures, situated on an exhibition plinth. Last part is a 3D map of the coastal walk, also presented in AR.
From a viewer’s perspective, the process and on-boarding should be simple. Download and launch the app (for iOS or Android), and the experience is ready to go. The app still works outside the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.