Instead of traditional statues or murals, the art pieces are placed virtually in six districts of Sundsvall: Bergsåker, Bosvedjan, Bredsand, Nacksta, Skönsberg, and Stenstaden. Visitors scan a QR code on site with their smartphone to see the artwork appear on their phone screen, seamlessly integrated into the physical environment. The purpose is to make culture more accessible by moving it out of galleries and into people's everyday lives and residential areas. The outdoor exhibition is accessible around the clock and locations are chosen to be accessible to everyone regardless of mobility. The exhibition is supplemented with works from Sundsvall museums' collections. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that mixes computer-generated digital information with the physical reality in real time, usually via mobile camera or smart glasses. AR does not replace the world but adds elements to it, unlike Virtual Reality. The virtual exhibition is intended as a summer enjoyment for Sundsvall residents.
Nine artists from Västernorrland have created site-specific public works: Anita Berg, Ville Hulling, Sandra Mozard, Anneli Nowén, Anna Isabella Sandberg, Frida Sandgren, Lena Sjödin Roman, Jörgen Gucco Sundelin, and Staffan Westerlund. The artists expressed interest and proposed a location, and a jury reviewed the proposals. According to SVT Mittnytt, project group member Ulla-Carin Winter described the technology as something the group had fantasized about, and said it is a delightful surprise that makes people eager to show others. According to Sundsvalls Tidning, the exhibition is described as a way to get people to go out. SynbART is arranged by KNiS, an art network in Sundsvall, and runs from May to October. The exact number of artworks and specific locations of QR codes have not been disclosed, but the exhibition aims to engage residents throughout the summer.
We knew that this technology existed and fantasized about how fun it would be to be able to do it in Sundsvall.
It's a very delightful surprise when you look at your phone and that you then become eager to show others.