Discover Ireland’s Largest AR Art Experience-Step into a World of Digital Art!
Published on 14th November 2024
Dublin City Council has today unveiled Ireland’s largest Augmented Reality (AR) art installation 'Hexahedron', in Charlemont Square, Dublin.
The installation was created by internationally renowned artist Maser, in collaboration with Imvizar, a Dublin based company that reimagines places and spaces using augmented reality. This initiative is part of Dublin’s European Capital of Smart Tourism programme and will run for the next 12 months.
'Hexahedron' transforms Dublin’s landscape through art, aiming to infuse daily life with positivity and connection - something Maser has done throughout his practice. This augmented reality project reshapes how we experience art, using digital technology to push the boundaries of public art. By enabling viewers to engage with the piece through their mobile devices, Maser creates a unique experience for each person, inviting questions about ownership of space and art.
Visitors will be transported into a vibrant digital art canvas as they walk through Charlemont Square's historic archway. The natural enclosure of the square acts as a cube-like structure with Maser’s artwork filling its 360° bounds. Visitors will see the digital artwork come to life on their mobile devices, with flowing colours, overlays, and gestural animations, signature to Maser’s practice.
Jamie Cudden from Dublin City Council opening the experience said: “We are delighted to support Maser in bringing this unique Hexahedron experience to life in Dublin’s Charlemont Square. This is such an exciting new concept bringing together art and technology to experience public space in a new way. As the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2024 we wanted to showcase Dublin’s art and technology credentials in a way that could inspire other EU cities”
The initiative aims to enhance Dublin’s cultural landscape by transforming public spaces into interactive, digital canvases. Everyone is invited to engage with this free public experience.
Maser, speaking about his art said: "Augmented Reality supports me to harness the fundamentals of my art practice in a new way – large, bold, colourful compositions taking over the walls, the city. With ‘Hexahedron’ my aim is to fuse a sense of Storytelling with visual art. The artwork, for me, is a visual representation of the ‘here and now’. While the ephemeral nature of the digital medium highlights the temporality of time passing. Questioning where we will be in another 50 years, in this space. It’s all one journey."
Charlemont Square holds years of personal and professional significance for the artist. Maser’s first studio was situated mere metres away from the square, and his current studio Atelier Now is located there (established in 2018). Maser has invested much creativity and time into the community over the years, and 'Hexahedron' is the next chapter in this story. Maser invites people into a shared space, using art as a ‘place maker’ to connect new and old communities.
Adele Keane, Creative Director from Imvizar speaking about bring art to life through technology added: "Augmented Reality enables us to turn locations into canvases for spatial storytelling, inviting each visitor to become part of the narrative. Collaborating with a visionary like Maser, with Dublin City Council's support, has been fantastic. We are excited for people to experience this unique blend of art and technology."
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with art in a whole new way. Visit Charlemont Square and be part of Dublin’s dynamic cultural evolution. For more information on this experience and about the EU Capital of Smart Tourism visit: www.Dublin.ie
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
About Maser
Dublin-born artist Maser, who first made his mark in the graffiti scene in 1995, has risen to prominence in the international art world. His career, rooted in a deep connection to urban environments and their communities, showcases his journey from the streets of Dublin to global acclaim. Maser's educational background in fine art and visual communications, highlighted by an award from the International Society of Typographic Designers, set the stage for a vibrant, socially engaged artistic practice.
Maser's early artistic ventures included impactful collaborations, such as the "They Are Us" project with Damien Dempsey in 2010, aimed at revitalising Dublin's streets while supporting the Dublin Simon Community Homeless Charity. His directorial debut in Dempsey’s "Bustin Outta Here" music video showcased his versatile creative talents. His acclaimed video installations, such as "Home Made" for the Sebastian Guinness Gallery, and a larger sculpture installation tribute to Daniel O'Connell at Dublin Contemporary 2011, demonstrated his capacity for large-scale visual storytelling.
Throughout his career, Maser has collaborated with esteemed artists like JR on the UNFRAMED project and with Conor Harrington on various influential artworks. His global presence is affirmed by his artwork displayed across various cities and participation in notable art fairs such as INK Miami, Art on Paper NYC, and EXPO Chicago with Tandem Press.
Maser's commissions are notable for their scope and cultural impact. He has created immersive installations across major European cities including Berlin, Paris, Zurich, Milan, Hamburg, Munich, and Amsterdam.
His significant contributions also include creating a music video for U2, and engaging with prestigious art institutions like the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), the National Gallery in Ireland, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Expo Milan, the RHA Gallery, the Seamus Heaney Museum in Dublin, a solo exhibition at the Rhodes Contemporary Art in London and work in Palais de Tokyo in Paris. In addition to this, Maser had a solo exhibition at Lazarides Gallery in London, a gallery that represented street artist Banksy. These achievements and his collaboration with the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins on a series of limited edition prints “Of Utopias” are testaments to his artistic acclaim.
His efforts in political advocacy through art were highlighted in the Repeal campaign, where his work became a symbol of societal change in Ireland.
Masers accolades include multiple awards from the Arts Council of Ireland, such as the 'Agility Award', recognising his innovative contributions to the arts, continuing to push the boundaries of his craft through pioneering augmented reality experiences and his leadership role at Atelier Now, a creative hub he established in Dublin that fosters contemporary art exhibitions and residency opportunities.
Through his vibrant installations and collaborations, Maser continues to engage communities, transforming urban landscapes into canvases that reflect his commitment to innovation and the collective spirit of the cities he touches.
About Imvizar
Imvizar is a pioneering Dublin-based company specialising in augmented reality (AR) technology to transform how people engage with their environments. By merging art, culture, and digital innovation, Imvizar reimagines public spaces and landmarks, turning them into interactive, immersive experiences. The company creates AR installations that blend storytelling and technology, enhancing visitor experiences and introducing a new way of interacting with art and heritage. Imvizar’s projects aim to make art and culture more accessible and engaging, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.