Initially Interspace was a second part to Upstarters Virtual Reality Experience. Part 2 would invite VR visitors to each member of the group’s own individual planet that expressed where they find their joy. Due to the onset of Coronavirus we needed to adapt the project in a way that protected everyone’s health including the public. We reimagined part 2 of the Upstarters as a collage art augmented reality experience. We were inspired by the movement of colourful vintage collage portraits, they are dynamic, fun, beautiful and timeless.

It was built using collected materials, digitising with a high resolution full frame camera. Software included, adobe photoshop, illustrator and after effects. Augment Reality was supported by Artivive App. High Resolution Posters were printed for exhibiting.

Step 1: Gathering Materials

We collected various printed magazines with a wide range of images and textures. The group were given magazines that aligned with their interests to start gleaning images to use for collage portraits. They each chose a person to represent themselves and with the help of their support workers started to put portraits together. Through this exercise we worked together to identify what imagery the participants wanted to keep and what were they lacking. We search through google imagery for visuals that could not be found in magazines and printed them out to complete the process.

Step 2: Creating the Collage

With all the cut out elements from the magazines that resonated with each of the group’s artistic vision, we arranged these cutouts on a canvas and/or board to form a base for theircollage portrait.

I took high-quality portrait photos of each participant. These were then printed im high quality and given to each participant to cutout.

They then integrated their portraits seamlessly with their magazine cutouts and visual materials.

Once satisfied, it was all glued into place

Step 3: Digitizing the Collage

I used a high-resolution camera to digitize each of the collages.

The digital image was then transfer the computer.

Step 4: Editing and Preparing for Animation

Each digitized portrait was brought into photoshop to prepare it for animation in After Effects and for various output materials. These were saved as png and tiff files for later use.

We introduced the group to photoshop and illustrator, giving them a chance to experiment with digital canvases. We used some of their digital canvas artworks in a later stage for animating in after effects.

Step 5: Animating in After Effects

We introduced the group to After Effects, imported the digitized collages and gave a tour of what this digital software could do. We started to experiment with animating the digital art they created in photoshop. This animation process was a collaboration between each of the group and myself.

Step 6: Integrating with Artivive for AR Experience

Once the animation was finalised, we prepared the assets for Artivive. This is an Augmented Reality Art Application. WE chose this one specifically as it supports both android and ios. It is easy to use and free to download.

Step 7: Finalizing and Sharing

We tested a few different animation styles and adjusted in our testing. Once we were satisfied with the AR experience, finalize the project in Artivive.

High Quality Posters were printed for exhibiting under Covid regulations. We also created a poster to help guide users on how to view these artworks.

To use it, download the Artivive App. Once opened, hold phone camera ipad over the image. This will trigger the Augmented Reality experience with the chosen poster.