The heart of Bellville has just seen the blending of art and technology with the installation of an Augmented Reality (AR) mural. Orchestrated by the better. bellville. together. place-making initiative, this innovative mural is an exciting collaboration between renowned street art organisation BAZ-ART and creative studio Muti, alongside the visionary South African AR designer Xopher Wallace.
The better. bellville. together. initiative, is a groundbreaking project funded by the City of Cape Town aimed at revitalising the Bellville region through community engagement and sustainable practices. Since its launch in February 2023, the campaign has already made significant strides in promoting economic development, fostering community cohesion, and enhancing the environmental sustainability of the area.
Alex Jongens, project lead for the better. bellville. together. beautification initiative shared, “The mural is a tribute to the UWC Health and Community Sciences Faculty. It features a unique blend of classic mural art with the addition of vibrant health practitioner characters, showcasing a colourful mix of both art and science. This project with its unique innovative features has emerged as a vibrant testimony to resilience and creativity”.
Strategically located at the bustling intersection of Blanckenberg and Cross Streets, the mural captures the essence of a dynamic student-centric environment. This bustling hub sees a continuous flow of students, lecturers, and the public, with a selection of Informal traders adjacent to the mural also excited about this dynamic transformation.
This mural is also located on the better. bellville. together. ‘Walk Together’ public walkway that is being established with consideration of transport hubs, retail stops, education, and for the enjoyment of all who ‘Walk Together’ on this route. The idea is to provide a well-travelled walking route that encourages social interaction and a sense of belonging.
“Crafted using a vinyl application on glass, the mural stands as a testament to the union of traditional and cutting-edge art forms. Its AR component brings the mural to life in an unparalleled manner. Using Instagram, viewers can witness the animated characters come alive, enhancing the overall experience, and creating a buzz of excitement among passersby.
Initial feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. From mimicking the characters’ stances to capturing playful moments, the mural has ignited a wave of creativity and engagement. With the AR component set to be made public soon, anticipation is high for the delightful interactions it promises,” adds Jongens.
This mural followed the Baz-Art’s collaborative AR mural project behind the Fire and Ice hotel on 261 Bree Street, Cape Town, that perfectly exemplifies the mission to transform urban spaces into vibrant and creative public spaces.
AR murals are just the beginning of what’s possible when it comes to blending technology and art. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of these murals in the world of advertising, branding and general artforms. So, keep your eyes peeled for the next AR mural coming to Bellville soon!
The AR UWC Mural is more than just a piece of art; it’s a celebration of creativity and innovation, poised to transform Bellville’s public space into an inviting and interactive realm.
For more about better. bellville. together. place-making initiative and other public art projects you can visit: www.better together.africa, follow @betterbellvilletogether.
