Artist Shannon Novak discovered using digital technology to make art by accident. He tells Rebecca Fox about his Dunedin experiment.
Shannon Novak wants to take art to unexpected places, that is areas not normally seen as exhibition spaces.
That includes the pages of the Otago Daily Times. Novak has created an interactive art work for the newspaper that allows readers to view an augmented reality artwork.
The work is part of ''Expanded Gallery'' an ''exhibition'' of Novak's work being displayed at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery's back window.
''I'm looking to push further beyond those spaces to places not normally seen as exhibition spaces.''
It will begin with a physical wall-based composition amplified by the introduction of light. Next, it places a layer of digital information over elements of his work.
Viewers are urged to participate in an augmented reality experience as animated works unfold using digital devices.
The exhibition then grows into spaces connected with the art gallery, spaces such as the Dunedin City Council Civic Centre or Moray Pl walls. With all the graphic elements able to be enhanced using a mobile device.
Then more traditional painted works will find their way to other sites such as schools and businesses.
''I'll be distributing satellite works out and about. It'll be like a treasure hunt to find them all.''
Novak, who is from New Plymouth but is based in Auckland, admits his work takes some getting used to.
''Some are really into it, then there are some that [aren't].''
The idea of a traditional painting having an invisible digital layer of work layed over it that can only be activated by a mobile device being held over it was not new - it is essentially what the Pokemon Go craze last year involved.
''It's the same kind of technology.''
He is hoping it will challenge the idea of what is a gallery in similar ways that Banksy's graffiti works in public spaces had done.
Novak originally came upon the technology when he struck a problem and the solution was far to expensive for what he was trying to achieve.
He then discovered he could create his own content with this technology.
''It helps get art work
into spaces which are difficult to reach. It goes places other artists can't.''
For Novak, the technology is also a great way to get children interested in art and see there is a future in it rather than just sitting in a corner of a gallery on their phones.
''It reverses this a bit and gets kids interacting with art.''
He had been using the technology for four years and had found it worked really well to engage young people.
''It's cool to see kids pulling their parents along rather than the other way around.''
The downside of the work is that it is not possible to generate money from it in the way that is possible with traditional art.
Over the past 10 years, Novak decided to ''take it up another level'' and take his work public.
Being so driven by his need to create meant it dominated his life.
''I can walk past a building in the street, get an idea and then have to get all over it.
''Sometimes that can be frustrating, as it can mean a whole lot of work and I just have to go home and do it. It's all consuming.''
He had to try very hard to ensure some balance in his life as he realised he could get burnt out.
''It's really hard as I get carried away with ideas. Often you need someone to pull you out of it.''
Novak hopes small works like the one in today's ODT engages people and sees it becoming part of the extended ''gallery'' he is creating.
The project would develop over the year. It was expanding slowly as he added new spaces and new work.
''It'll grow almost like a virus.''
To see
Shannon Novak ‘‘The Expanded Gallery’’, from April 8, Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
You will need a mobile device with an internet connection and the free app "Aurasma" installed to view the work.
Step 1: Download and setup Aurasma (one time setup)
- Search for and download the "Aurasma" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Launch the app and create an account
- Tap the magnifying glass icon
- In the search box, type in "Shannon Novak" and tap "Search"
- The "Shannon Novak" channel will be at the top of the results list. Tap it, then tap "Follow"
- Return to the main screen
Step 2: Activate the work (any time)
- Ensure your device is connected to the internet and your sound is turned up
- Ensure Aurasma is in camera mode by tapping the target icon
- Hold your mobile device up to the triangular motif
Tip: If there are any major obstructions in your camera view, the work may not appear or may disappear while viewing.
