The Unseen Bridge
an augmented reality experience
Recently this year I was commissioned by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH(GIZ) to create digital art for Afrilabs annual gathering, Oct 2023.
The idea is to involve the public/intended audience through participation, rather than considering them as passive viewers of the artwork. The public/intended audience should become a co-author of the work, to increase the artwork’s connection to local identity as well as raising greater public support.
I worked with Blender and Spark AR Studio(Meta Spark studio) to bring this to life. did most of the 3D modelling and compositing in Blender, then optimized for AR by reducing polycounts and texture resolution.
finished 3D artwork that would be the tracking image
This captivating artwork transports you to a pink circular chamber, adorned with a serene pool, meticulously rendered in photorealistic detail. Within this space, architectural styles converge, seamlessly weaving together the timeless essence of classic African dwellings with contemporary elements. The building itself, a remarkable amalgamation of mud and raffia palms, pays homage to the historical legacy of African construction techniques—materials that once formed the very foundation of ancient communities.
At the heart of this artistic tableau stands a woman, her attire a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. Yet, her laptop sits just beyond her reach, symbolizing the barriers faced by women striving for technological empowerment within their communities.
But this artwork holds a profound secret. Through an Augmented Reality experience, you're transported into a different dimension, one where the solitary woman in the room is now enveloped by a vibrant community of empowered black women. Together, they embody the strength and resilience that emerges from shared experiences and collective aspiration.
The augmented reality effect serves as a powerful symbol of community, uniting women in a shared journey of empowerment and technological advancement. It underscores the significance of women supporting each other as they bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.
This artwork transcends the realms of innovation and tradition, resonating with the spirit of unity that defines communities. It amplifies the message of empowerment, highlighting the transformative power of collective effort within the realm of technology. In this immersive experience, you're not just an observer—you become an active participant in the narrative of community, womanhood, and technology, working together to close the symbolic gap and forge a brighter future.
final space and subject model done in blender
the subject model was done in Daz Studio, the other characters that got revealed in the AR experience we're readyplayerme models, I rapidly animated these characters with Mixamo.
