The U.S. debut of ‘Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality’ will take place at SXSW from March 15 to 17, according to a March 13 announcement. The exhibit follows its world premiere last fall at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where British painter Jonathan Yeo’s portraits were transformed into moving digital installations.
The exhibition blends Yeo’s portraiture with Snap’s technology, allowing visitors to experience royal, celebrity, and self-portraits as interactive works that respond in real time. Guests use Snap’s fifth-generation Spectacles smart glasses to view the evolving artwork and receive a unique creation as a memento of their visit.
Developed through Snap AR Studio’s Artist Residency Program, the project aims to demonstrate new ways for artists to combine digital storytelling with physical spaces. Organizers say it offers an early look at how wearable technology can enhance museum experiences ahead of the public launch of new Specs intelligent eyewear later this year.
Jonathan Yeo is scheduled to join Ben Wymer, Senior Director of Global Brand Experience at Snap Inc., for a panel discussion titled “Portraits Beyond the Frame: Jonathan Yeo & Spectacles” on Friday, March 13 at SXSW. The session will address the future role of wearable technology in museums and explore how art and technology are increasingly intersecting.
The exhibit is part of SXSW’s XR Experience Spotlight.
