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Sadly, museums had to close their doors when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And while some are slowly opening with restrictions, the chances to see art are limited. That's why Contemporary and Digital Art Fair decided to create an event that would give safe access to millions. How? By bringing art to the streets.
Throughout October, which happens to be Digital Art Month, 70 artworks by 40 international artists will be exhibited in public spaces around New York City. The inaugural event highlights the fusion of technology and art. The pieces are created via Augmented Reality and will be exhibited via QR codes activated through Instagram and Snapchat.
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For the videos, the QR code links go directly to the artists’ accounts highlighting the visual works. A piece entitled Urban Detox, for instance, is accessed via a QR code that links you to artist Isabelle Udo’s Instagram account. There, you will find the video art piece that shows flowers growing in the city as you click around.
"We launched Digital Art Month out of our passion for digital art and inspiration that our community of artists brings to us daily," CADAF's Founder and CEO, Elena Zavelev, told Departures. Director and CCO, Andrea Steuer, added, "In the times of social distancing, this digital festival blurs the line between the virtual and physical to bring interactive art to the streets of New York City."
This city-wide initiative will be placed throughout public spaces and storefronts, with many being on Fifth Avenue. Shops like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, and Sephora are participating along with The Pierre hotel, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property.
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"Art and fashion always go hand in hand," Angela Pennyfeather, director of marketing for Fifth Avenue Association, told us. "They represent bold, sophistication, and elegance. With Fifth Avenue being the destination for luxury retail, it's very befitting to have the digital art shown in front of our flagships like Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf Goodman, and more. Initiatives like this show that New York is truly the city that never sleeps. It's exciting to see visitors enjoy a day of shopping on the Avenue while experiencing cutting edge digital art."
During the show, the audience can interact with the artworks on view and share their experiences using #DigitalArtMonth on social media. The public can plan their virtual and in-person self-guided tour across the city using the event map.
