The Streets of Dar

“How does a still picture come to life?” asked a curious lady as she focused her phone camera on the Askari Monument portrait.

The Streets of Dar es salaam AR Exhibition is Tanzania’s first Augmented Reality Art Exhibition by the Mandara brothers, Shalua and Ngaira, creative artists, and technologists. Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes digital objects into the real world. (You just have to witness this with your eyes, even words don’t explain it all🙌🏿)

The first exhibition was held from 8th to 18th May 2021 at The Drum.

It all started back in 2017 after witnessing the early morning peak hours at Kariakoo Shimoni. The sight of a man carrying a load on his back as he makes his way to begin business for the day, lit a light bulb of a creative illustration concept.
The Streets of Dar es salaam shows the fusion between Art and Technology, bringing to life beautiful stories of activities in Dar through animation and sound.

Excitement and lively chatter were in the air as peers flocked to Ally Rehmtulla to see the art. Great music played by Dj Joozey, taken with sips of a cold Martini cocktail elevated the experience.
On display were the famous Askari Monument, Mshkaki, Daladala, Maasai, and The Brass Band portraits.
The cool t-shirts and merch were a spot-on purchase for any individual who set their eyes on them.
“It’s like proudly wearing a piece of the city with you that represents where you live,” said Shalua in their recent podcast.
There were various designs from images in their first and second series, bringing together a tribe of individuals who recognize and acknowledge our Dar ways of living.

“What should enthusiasts watch out for”? The Mandara brothers will continue to create experiences through different medium tools, enhanced with technology to tell African stories. Watch their digital spaces for more to come!

Narrated by: Melissa Sweetbert
Photography by: James Francis William