The Fall of the Titans augmented: Thoughts on SMK’s new AR filter
We just launched an Instagram filter bringing one of our highlights to digital life. Here’s why…
Around 1588 Dutch painter Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem finished his epic painting The Fall of the Titans, depicting the end-result of a certain cosmic war from Greek mythology (see SMK Open).
In August 2020 we launched an augmented reality-filter, which brings the painting to life on your phone screen (via Instagram). We produced the filter (or lens, or camera or whatever you want to call it) in collaboration with Copenhagen-based VR-gurus Khora.
This was one of our more spontaneous efforts. Usually we are fairly neurotic about only launching digital projects that fit snugly into our data infrastructure — i.e. projects that make use of the SMK API. But while our standard approach is highly efficient and truly healthy for us, it does not necessarily lend itself to off-the-cuff playful experimentation. In other words: We just went ahead and did it.
And I’m really glad we did, because the result is quite stunning. The drama of the painting — not least its intimidating size–just makes the experience quite powerful.
As a guest, you scan a QR code next to the painting which takes you to an installation screen. When you’ve added the filter to your Instagram app, and point the camera at the painting it will come to life on your screen. The effect is one of depth as the frozen moment suddenly pops and background titans start falling. Meanwhile, butterflies start flying around (you can make them land on the painting’s frame by tapping the screen) See teaser video below.
And so we have a quirky offer for the guest seeking an alternative to simply observing. The effect is an experimental, amusing break from the standard mode of visiting, particularly welcome as we’ve had to remove all touch-based interfaces in the galleries.
Do we have a succes on our hands? Time will tell. Currently our visitor numbers are on the low side, and 10 people or so activate the filter each day. But we’re ramping up visibility (now that we’re fairly sure the thing works) and are carefully watching the numbers. If we conclude that it ads a worthwhile dimension, we might well explore further along this path in the future.
If you stop by SMK, do give it a spin and let me know what you think!
