Art is supposed to transport you places. All types of alternative reality, including virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality, have the technological capabilities to make it happen. When these two are combined, the experience can be “moving.” A unique exhibition on display at Delhi's Alliance Française (March 2-19) unfolds the story in augmented reality. Her 12 paintings on display, titled 'Inspace', tell the story of the women of Hyderabad.
“Hyderabad, because that's where I live,” says the artist behind the exhibition, French-Belgian Beatrice de Fays, also known as B2Fays. “The idea behind all this is related to the granites of Hyderabad. I have a connection with those rocks. I feel some kind of energy,” she exclaimed. And just as every painting appears carved into the rock, it shows that de Faiz has captured the ruggedness of the rock, the history it holds, and the flora and fauna it supports.
This is where augmented reality comes into play. When you scan a painting with the in.space app, it comes to life and turns into a 3D experience. For example, a quick perusal of one of her paintings entitled 'Bouddha' unfolds the story of a young girl angry at a polluted environment. “People behave a certain way when they're angry,” de Fey quips. Suddenly, a majestic statue of Buddha appears, and a sense of serenity and peace ensues.
“Before, she was angry because she couldn't change anything, but now Buddha has brought her peace,” she emphasizes. One might wonder, on the other hand, how much of the art on display is derived from life.
Describing her process, the artist explains: Then she separates all the elements and puts them back into her 3D space,” adding that as a painter, this process makes her very happy. Because this, she added, “allows her to change her picture of herself.”
In addition to coming up with ideas and drawing pictures, De Fayez also does the narration along with Bali Kumar. The augmented reality was developed by Guillaume Evrard and the music was composed by Mathieu Constance for the exhibition.
All of these elements create an experience where viewers are fully immersed in the art, detail, and storytelling.
And that's exactly the intention. “I use technology because I’m an artist.
While Hyderabad and its granite are a personal experience for the artist, these works also have the potential to spark conversations about conservation.
Hyderabad is home to ancient granite rocks, which, despite being protected by the government, are becoming increasingly weathered due to creeping urbanization.
