Research
V2_Lab is convinced that applying technology and developing software within art projects can be an important addition to existing R&D.
aRt&D (aRtistic research & Development) refers to the specific qualities that artists are able to introduce in the field of interdisciplinary technological innovation and realization. In aRt&D processes, knowledge is contributed from a range of artistic and cultural fields, including the visual arts, design activities, sonic practice, performing arts and game design. Especially in collaboration with engineers and computer scientists, the artistic approach is unconventional in connecting different research fields and leaving behind discipline-specific paradigms. This usually offers a refreshing perspective on complex technical issues and generates solutions or workarounds that are difficult to envision from a single field of expertise.
Furthermore, emphasis on the audience and early inclusion of user feedback in the aRt&D process enables deeper understanding of the implications and opportunities of the technology-in-process.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is a collective name for technologies that change physical reality by adding computer-generated content in such a way that the user experiences a new, enhanced reality.
We discovered the technological aspect of augmented reality often turned out to be a stumbling block for artists interested in this media application. From a computer-technology perspective, augmented reality is often layered over the everyday environment for purposes of location-based services or navigation by mobile telephone, pervasive games, and so on. For many artists, however, the point is immersion, dramatic development and an interactive experience.
In terms of complexity, making an augmented reality artwork can be compared to making an interactive film with different media layers. There is an important difference between augmented reality and traditional film, however: there are still few examples and little experience of developing and producing this new media form.
V2_Lab has extensive experience with augmented reality and is developing tools to make this medium more accessible for artists.
For more information about Augmented Reality, please contact Jan Misker or subscribe to our blog to stay posted on the subject.
Wearable Technology
Wearable Technology is situated at the intersection of art, technology, and fashion. It aims to research and develop interfaces between virtual and physical realities, using the body as a locus.
V2_ has a long history of supporting, presenting, publishing on, and (co-)developing Wearable Technology in collaboration with artists and universities. This history has resulted in a vast archive of aRt&D Wearable Technology projects made by or related to V2_. While in the past these projects moreover consisted of handheld devices and other body-extending hardware, V2_ has in recent years shifted its focus to projects that seamlessly embed technology in true fashion items. In developing these projects, V2_Lab has created various ‘on-the-shelf’ tools and applications that are now available for innovative uses in new projects. By making these technologies available for other projects (under creative commons licences) and by sharing expertise and experience with other artists, V2_Lab aims to fulfill the role of a central hub in contemporary Wearable Technology aRt&D.
Interested in Wearable Technology aRt&D at V2_Lab? Contact Piem Wirtz with questions or subscribe to our blog to stay posted on our related activities.
