The Future Redefined: AR & VR in Action
AR Journey FUTURING, Hanover, September 2023
Commemorative AR/VR practices, Participatory urban development; Educational innovations.
With the assistance of KV e.V. Kuntshalle Hanover and the Hanover City Municipality, AR JOURNEY FUTURING was conceived as a programme of participatory urban development for local communities in Hanover. Designed by Vira DG, it brought educational advances to the cultural infrastructure of the city of Hanover by utilising creative tactics for recreating and envisioning the future with new technologies like Augmented and Virtual Reality.
The programme took done online through Zoom in August and offline in Hanover in September.
It included learning about the use of Augmented Reality in a variety of human activities, international strategies for shaping the future with new technologies, prototyping ideas and resources for the local area in AR/VR, various tools for urban exploration, collective creative strategies, and AI prototyping. Local government officials, community organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and Ukrainian artist Vira DG were urged to collaborate as part of the programme. It also included activities for the children of Ukrainian immigrants who had settled in Hanover.
The method of generating concepts and prototypes with AR and VR emphasised sustainable and inclusive development, with the objective of improving living quality, fostering social fairness, and increasing environmental sustainability.
In Hanover, the AR Journey began with a powerful commemorative VR practices located within the solemn boundaries of the Aegidien Church (German: Aegidienkirche), a sombre war memorial located in the city’s centre.
This illustrious church’s history begins in the year 1347, when it was built to take the place of a Romanesque structure that had adorned the area since 1163.
On the evening of October 8, 1943, Hanover witnessed a relentless barrage of aircraft bombardment during World War II that reduced the Aegidien Church to ruins. This is when the pages of history sadly changed. 1952 was the beginning of a new chapter for the Aegidien Church, which was now a moving war monument honouring the memories of those who had endured the atrocities of war and violence. It still remains as a symbol of tenacity and a forceful plea for peace today.
The VR practice at the Aegidien Church served as a poignant commemorative gesture, specifically designed to honor the memory of war victims.
Its focus lay in remembering the devastating consequences of World War II, where nearly 90% of Hanover’s city was reduced to rubble. By utilizing virtual reality, this practice not only paid tribute to the past but also allowed individuals to deeply empathize with the wartime experiences of the city’s inhabitants. Through this immersive technology, it sought to ensure that the profound impact of the war would never fade from collective memory. Moreover, this commemorative initiative served as a catalyst for reflection, fostering a connection with history, and providing a means for healing in the face of traumatic events. In doing so, it exemplified how commemorative practices can go beyond remembrance, acting as powerful tools for social and political awareness, drawing attention to historical hardships, and inspiring meaningful change.
Aegidien Church houses war-themed artworks, including Kurt Lehmann’s “Humility” sculpture and “Schattenlinie,” symbolizing life and death. Hiroshima, Hanover’s sister city, gifted a peace bell now located in the church’s tower, embodying their commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Participants of AR JOURNEY Futuring created artworks existing only in Augmented Reality specifically for that location.
Vira DG’s AR kinetic sculpture, “Memories,” weaves a deeply emotional tapestry of the human experience during wartime. This evocative artwork, set within the hallowed walls of Aegidien Church, is a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who endured the horrors of war.
As you stand before this sculpture, the visual narrative unfolds, portraying the stories of individuals who were fortunate enough to survive the ravages of conflict. The kinetic movements of the floating balls, once symbols of impending doom, transform before your eyes into a playground of hope and resilience. Each movement carries with it a profound sense of relief, a reminder that these bombs will never descend upon the heads of the viewers.
In this immersive experience, viewers can’t help but be drawn into the narrative, fostering a deep connection with the harrowing experiences of war survivors. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the strength to rebuild in the aftermath of devastation.
Harro Schmidt’s masterpiece, ‘Heaven and Earth,’ came to life amidst the haunting ruins of Hannover’s Ägidien Church.
In this extraordinary AR creation, the artwork appears to levitate within the church’s open-air courtyard, nestled beneath the limitless sky.
The sculpture comprises a mesmerizing assembly of spheres, adorned in lush grass-green and shimmering silver, symbolizing the earth. Each sphere boasts an imaginary axis, upon which a male or female figurine gracefully stands. With outstretched arms, these figures gaze in every direction, evoking a profound connection between humanity, nature, the surrounding world, and the earth itself.
This sculpture embodies our deep-seated yearning for harmony and equilibrium, both with the natural world and the broader universe. Simultaneously, it offers a subtle nod to Christian symbolism, reminiscent of the human cross, infusing the artwork with layers of meaning and spiritual resonance.
At the pinnacle of this breathtaking creation rests the largest figure, caught in an eternal cycle of decay and renewal. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-turning wheel of life and the enduring nature of transformation and rebirth.
AR Journey Futuring: Day two
The group of VR researchers conducted their work at the location known as “Kuenstlerhaus Hannover, Kulturdreieck,” where they explored the vast possibilities offered by VR technology.
Nikola Maria, the least experienced participant in AR Journey, is sharing her process and experience, which she has titled ‘What is Gravity.’
She didn’t start with a fixed, calculated concept; instead, her approach to working with Gravity Sketch and her first experience with VR and AR was exploratory — a journey into this visually expanded space. She discovered the foundation for how she would approach and work with the various artistic tools in Gravity Sketch.
For her work, chance became a starting point, a methodological approach, and a philosophical instrument. In retrospective reflection, she understood and saw her “end product” in relation to the conceptual idea of Augmented Reality: playfully and simultaneously challenging the rules and laws that govern our reality, such as gravity.
However, she consciously decided that her work should not represent a clearly defined figure. Instead, in “What is Gravity,” the experimental aspect would take center stage, as it was crucial to her creative process. Viewed in this light, the work can be described as an open form or even as an indefinite, free-floating structure.
What others see in it, or more importantly, how others relate to “What is Gravity” and integrate it into their reality, is what she finds much more intriguing from a personal perspective.
The possibility of no longer having to anchor sculptures and figurative constructions to a specific location but being able to place them in the most unexpected places can profoundly alter the experience of reality. The idea of influencing the real world — and its established structures — not by replicating it but by expanding it visually in its dimensional composition, fascinates her.
Being able to visually experience and witness this not only enriches visual thinking but also encourages one to consider new compositional arrangements and associative connections.
Some more works from AR Journey
Over the past three days, our dedicated team of researchers immersed themselves in the creative space of KV e.V. Kunsthalle Hanover. Below, you will find a showcase of the outcomes born in the realm of Virtual Reality, now unveiled and accessible through Augmented Reality.
Rain Vessel conceived by the visionary artist Harro DB Schmidt, transcends the label of a mere AR experience. It stands as a profound metaphor, a vessel meticulously crafted to capture the essence of celestial offerings and bestow them generously upon those who yearn for its embrace. This sculpture embodies the idea that, akin to rainwater nurturing the earth without prejudice, art should flow freely to enrich and inspire all who seek its profound beauty and wisdom.
Harro DB Schmidt — T. Palm. Greetings from Saturn’s ice moon Tethys. Scientists have been speculating about the red welts on Tethys, but so far, they haven’t produced any conclusive results.
Morphing I is an immersive AR sculpture by Vira DG that gracefully embodies the concept of transformation and rebirth. Its intricate design weaves a captivating tale of duality and metamorphosis, symbolized by the harmonious interplay of white and black forms. These contrasting elements represent the eternal dance of opposites, where one seamlessly transforms into the other, reflecting the perpetual cycle of change.
Within this artistic masterpiece, the vibrant hue of red takes center stage, serving as a profound symbol of Hanover’s enduring spirit. It speaks to the city’s resilience and ability to rise from the ashes, just as the fiery rebirth of red emerges from the contrasting black and white.
‘Morphing I’ invites viewers to contemplate not only the intricate dance of opposites but also the profound concept of rebirth. It echoes the poignant history of Hanover, a city that was nearly obliterated during World War II and, through sheer determination and unity, rebuilt itself anew. In this sculpture, the spirit of rebirth and transformation stands as a testament to the indomitable human will and the enduring beauty of Hanover’s journey through time.
Morphing II is an immersive AR form brought to life by the artist Vira DG. This witching work of art offers a poignant depiction of our world witnessing a profound cycle of fragmentation and revitalization, all within the kinetic grasp of perpetual motion.
Once you witness ‘Morphing II’, you’ll be charmed by its exquisite definition of the world’s metamorphosis. It cleverly captures the substance of destruction, where our reality is shattered into numerous pieces, only to be precisely put back together in an eternal cotillion of rejuvenation.
This dynamic form invites observers to contemplate the ever- changing nature of our actuality, where chaos and order to attend in perfect Harmony. ‘Morphing II’ is a testament to the adaptability and constant renewal of our world, offering a mesmerizing look at the eternal movement of revitalization.
Artistic Research Project by Michaela Hanemann
As a part of the AR Journey Futuring program, artist Michaela Hanemann has incorporated an augmented reality (AR) component into her exhibited art project titled “Artistic Research Project by Michaela Hanemann, 2023.”
Project Overview:
In this intriguing artistic research project, Michaela Hanemann delves into the enigmatic world of bees and their potential artistic sensibilities. She poses fundamental questions: Do bees possess aesthetic preferences, such as preferences in shape or color? These inquiries serve as the foundation for her thought-provoking exploration.
Inspiration from “endless summer”:
This project draws inspiration from her previous work titled “endless summer” and serves as a fascinating extension of her artistic journey.
Methodology:
Hanemann employs a unique blend of artistic and scientific methodologies to construct installations featuring abstract flower-like objects. These monochromatic flower fields are meticulously crafted under comparable conditions, ensuring a controlled environment for her experiments.
Monitoring and Exploration:
The project’s second phase involves the careful monitoring of these created flower fields. By observing and documenting the behavior of bees interacting with these installations, Hanemann seeks to unravel the mystery of whether bees, with their intricate world of communication, have a deeper connection to art.
Augmented Reality Component:
As an exciting addition to this project, Daniela has expertly crafted an augmented reality experience that complements and enhances the exhibition, further immersing viewers in the realm of bees and artistic inquiry.
In essence, these AR-infused art projects invite us to reevaluate our perception of both reality and artistry while serving as a testament to the unceasing transformation of our world. They show us that technology, when harnessed by creative minds, can unlock new dimensions of artistic expression and commemorative practices.
Augmented Reality is not just a tool; it is a medium that invites us to reimagine the boundaries of art itself, promising endless possibilities for the future of creative expression and the preservation of our shared history.
Eda Duru Çağıltı —Butterflies
Eda was always envious of AR and its creations, the magic that lies behind the connection between human creativity and technology. That’s why she felt feverish when she heard about Vira’s AR Journey project, offering the opportunity to work with precious artists, especially Vira.
Eda perceived life as a collection of free and colorful butterflies, existing in the present moment.
Eda decided to create a butterfly sculpture using VR technology, Gravity Sketch. Then, she used Blender to optimize her sculpture for perfect rendering. The next step was to create a filter using Meta Spark Studio.
She designed a Real-Scale World Object filter and added a particle system as stars. She wanted her butterflies to be soft yet glowing. In the end, the result surpassed even her own imagination.
The artist shared her filter with friends and family, and while their initial impressions were positive, she knew it still needed some improvement. Eda felt proud of her butterfly creation and hoped that more people could see the world from her perspective, as a realm of free and shining butterflies.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all project participants for your valuable contributions and active involvement. This project was brought to life by the visionary author Vira DG with the generous support of KV e.V. and KunstHalle Hanover.
