Following our in-class discussion last week about the role of augmented reality as a way of creating and consuming art, I was fascinated by the Monument Lab app, which is meant to create an additional layer of interpretation of various art sites in Philadelphia. Though development for the app started pre-COVID, its introduction now seems appropriate as people are looking for ways to self-guide and self-learn about public spaces.
I do think that this app (“OverTime”) is a good example of when augmented reality can be used to enhance our understanding of art; the information and stories that are provided by the app seem to straddle a between second and third dimensions almost in a space of its own that’s purely intellectual and idea based. Additionally, the app inviting users to add stories of their own seems to serve as proof of how this unique dimension exists purely within the human imagination.