The U.S. debut of ‘Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality’ will take place at SXSW from March 15 to 17, according to a March 13 announcement. The exhibit follows its world premiere last fall at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where portraits by British painter Jonathan Yeo were presented with moving, interactive elements.
The exhibition is significant as it combines traditional portraiture with new technology, allowing visitors to experience art in an interactive way. By using Snap’s fifth-generation Spectacles smart glasses, guests can see Yeo’s royal, celebrity, and self-portraits transformed into responsive installations that react to their presence.
According to the announcement, each visitor will leave with a unique creation as a memento of their experience. The project was developed through Snap AR Studio’s Artist Residency Program and reflects Snap’s goal of making computing more human by integrating digital experiences into everyday life.
In addition to the exhibit, Jonathan Yeo and Ben Wymer, Senior Director of Global Brand Experience at Snap Inc., will participate in a panel discussion titled “Portraits Beyond the Frame: Jonathan Yeo & Spectacles” on Friday, March 13. The panel will discuss wearable technology in museums and how technology is changing the art world.
The event also offers an early look at Snap’s upcoming Specs intelligent eyewear before its public launch later this year. Organizers say this collaboration demonstrates how artists can use new technologies for digital storytelling within physical spaces.
