Our daily lives have become exceedingly reliant on technology, specifically the world of cyberspace as it is used for work, recreational purposes and the “real world”. Many examples of cyberpunk have looked at the notion of virtual reality and the possibilities of a world beyond the computer screen, however physical reality has increasingly become a space filled with electronic and visual information itself (p. 76). This augmented space seems more realistic than virtual reality because one can see it already at work. Examples are seen in urban architecture as Times Square in New York City is filled with video screens that display advertisements and information (p. 86). Also, on the Toronto subway platforms video screens have been installed that provide riders with information on weather, news, and the time until the next train. Augmented reality is a continually changing and evolving surface; because of this it is necessary to briefly discuss Lev Manovich’s definition of augmented space and an example of how computer technology is impacting physical space.
In Manovich’s article, “The Poetics of Augmented Space” (2003), he discusses the ways in which technology is altering physical space. According to Manovich, “computer and networked technology more actively enter our real physical spaces” (p. 76). The 1990s was a time concerned with the computer user entering virtual reality, but now the 2000s see a user who can interact with digital data in existing spaces (p. 76). Examples of technology that send and take data from physical space are cell phones, video surveillance cameras and video displays (p. 76). These technologies expand our experience of reality by providing information about the space around us. It is necessary to look at an example of how some artists are using technology in urban landscapes as a means of communication, which in turn develops the augmentation of reality.
At the beginning of October I had the opportunity to work with Awesome Indies, an urban arts festival for youth in the community of Hintonburg. Awesome Indies focused on bringing local artists together with youth. One of the participating artists was Graffiti Research Lab Canada (GRL) who created light graffiti on the walls of the Patrick John Mills Gallery. Through use of projectors, laser pointers and custom open sources software graffiti artists are able to create light graffiti on physical surfaces. GRL uses light graffiti as a means for urban communication (http://graffitiresearchlab.com). They use a laser to draw on a screen that is projected onto walls, buildings and other spots throughout urban landscapes. This blending of technology and physical space is a clear example of augmented reality. This is because GRL is adding digital information directly related to a physical space, whether they are commenting on the space or designing in relation to it (p. 79). Also, GRL artists “place layers of data over the physical space” (p. 78). This type of art alters the way we perceive physical reality and the way we interpret spaces. These artists provide a means of communicating to the masses in physical space in a non-traditional way and showcase how one can manipulate physical space to impact the ways in which people experience it.
Augmented space is becoming more of a reality as one can see increasingly data filled spaces. We live in spaces where we are constantly encountering computer technology that impacts our physical space and the way we experience it. We seem to be perceiving a heightened version of reality where technology that sends and receives data is expanding our knowledge about our physical space. It seems as physical space is increasingly filled with visual information, the look of a futuristic world may not be just an idea in cinema or cyberpunk, but a reality we encounter everyday.
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