Bendigo Art Gallery + Josh Muir: What’s on Your Mind?

Agency

Art Processors

Category

Digital Experience Content

Client

Bendigo Art Gallery

Merit 2021

When the visitor holds an iPad up to an artwork, the artist’s illustrations become animated, allowing the viewer to experience the works in a more culturally engaged and dynamic way. Muir hopes the works support the evolution of Aboriginal art and challenge stereotypes, saying, “I feel like people could use this as a platform to be inspired and, hopefully, create something themselves—and also to enjoy it for what it's worth.”

Muir combines elements of his proud Indigenous heritage with a broader contemporary visual language. His fun and playful aesthetic draws inspiration from pop culture and street art, and explores his own journey through mental illness.

The Challenge

This would be a contemporary take on First Nations art following the same storytelling traditions, by means of experiential pathways that would encourage more visitors—particularly younger people—to engage with Muir’s artwork.

Bendigo Art Gallery + Josh Muir: What’s on Your Mind? Video

Photo Credit: Kimberly Canales-Ascui

‘Death’ by Josh Muir

Photo Credit: Kimberly Canales-Ascui

‘Death’ by Josh Muir

Photo Credit: Elliotte Frankie

‘Psychosis’ by Josh Muir

Photo Credit: Elliotte Frankie

‘Search’ & ‘Death’ by Josh Muir

Design & Execution

Working closely with Muir, Knowles and the First Nations Curator Shonae Hobson, the designer created an AR experience that brings the works to life and enables visitors to interact with them and experience a sense of depth.

The artworks are the triggers (as opposed to a distracting and clashing QR code) providing a seamless transition. Original music and soundscapes link Muir’s raw narration to his slick artworks.

The immersive experience created an easy and engaging pathway for audiences to be part of Muir’s exploration of being young and Indigenous in a technological world.

Collaboration was central to the project. The experience was designed alongside Muir and Knowles so that it was integral to telling Muir’s personal stories—revealing hidden subtext and delivering the message in a way that visitors might not perceive from just looking at the art.

There are as few barriers as possible, with easy to use technology and a minimal digital interface so that more visitors can enjoy the experience.