Libraries exhibit showcases augmented art

Binghamton University Libraries held an opening reception for its latest exhibit, “Imagine the Future,” in the Glenn G. Bartle Library on Jan. 23.

Showcasing curated works by artist activists, “Imagine the Future” features an augmented reality (AR) component that brings the art to life through a free downloadable app. The University Libraries partnered with Amplifier, a nonprofit design lab, to bring art pieces from select campaigns to be displayed in the Bartle Library lobby gallery.

“This exhibit is the first of its kind in a University setting and I am proud that this can serve as another milestone in the library’s history to expand the impact we can have on our community,” Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone said at the reception. “My hope for this exhibit, as it greets everyone who comes through our doors, is that it will pique someone’s interest to encourage them to explore something they haven’t seen before and hopefully see themselves represented in this space.”

The images, ranging from a featured 160-foot-tall portrait to several smaller pieces displayed in a collection, highlight themes of revolutionary love, climate justice, indigenous sovereignty, and mental health. One display titled “Reframe” shares messages of 12 visionary leaders. All of the works include AR capabilities, and the app enables the portraits to come to life, animating the art as the portrait moves and talks to the viewer through the Amplifier app.

Visitors to Bartle Library can enjoy the exhibit during open hours, with a self-guided viewing of the images. Free postcards and newspaper prints of selected artwork are available to take. Seating in the gallery provides a touchdown point for viewers to enjoy the artwork and the library space.

“I think it’s cool that they are prioritizing amplifying a message in the library,” said Access Services Undergraduate Assistant Charlotte Hunsinger, who attended the reception. “This is the place where most people stop and talk and congregate, look around and slow down a bit. The library is a good place to look at something like this exhibit, read about it, and get you thinking.”

The messaging of the exhibit comes at a time with increasing importance, as advocacy and activism are at the forefront of the political landscape and university discourse. Serving as the inspiration behind the collections of art, casual viewers of the exhibit will hopefully uncover a deeper meaning of the images and consider the takeaways revealed from the immersive experience.

“This exhibition serves as a reminder that ‘Imagining the Future’ is not a passive act, but an intentional choice,” Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Karen Jones said at the reception. “For example, ‘Rebirth,’ one of the featured images, states ‘we must insist on the humanity of our opposition.’ Meaning: Regardless of our disagreements, we must still treat each other with respect, rather than reducing and objectifying them.”

Combining technology with art, “Imagine the Future” is an example of what a library represents in an academic setting through collaboration while elevating thoughtful, timely topics. Through augmented reality, viewers can engage with an artist’s message, drawing their own meaning of resiliency and sparking creativity.

“I am thrilled to formally share this exhibit with the campus community as it is an outward expression of what we represent as the University Libraries: Being innovative and technology-forward, as well as fostering a space where everyone is welcome,” Falcone said. “I am truly in awe of this exhibit and the powerful impact it has.”