The Process of Virtualizing Public Art: QR Graffiti, Art in Augmented Reality in Public Space, and Graffiti Created in VR

Abstract

The virtualization of public art, which I approach as art in public space, street art, and graffiti, can be viewed from one side as its medialization, that is, a mediation of reception through media images functioning online. This process makes our experience of these art forms virtual in terms of their potentiality. On the other hand, the virtualization of public art can be approached as a process of gradually transferring it into the virtual space. In this second case, virtual space constitutes, if not the foundation, then at least an equal element of artistic realizations. These realizations are increasingly manifesting themselves primarily in a digital form, although each time in a physical space, which gradually loses its significance, undergoing hybridization. The process of virtualizing public art is illustrated by referring to examples of graffiti made in the form of stencils with artistic QR codes. Then, I point out artistic projects that explore the city by searching for contemporary art objects in the form of augmented reality, located in selected and marked areas on a map. As the final examples, I mention the work of Kenyan artists who create and promote the creation of graffiti in virtual space.

Keywords

• public art
• street art
• graffiti
• medialization
• virtualization
• hybridization of public space