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Year of Birth: 1994.
Where do you live: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Describe your art in three words: Transformative, Immersive, Futuristic.
Your discipline: Multi-dimensional artist.
Website | Instagram

What inspired you to start integrating QR code technology into your art pieces?

In 2021, I was inspired by the work of multi-dimensional designer Will Selviz, who was selected as the Canadian featured artist for Nike’s Air Max Day 2021 Worldwide Campaign. This campaign showcased a global live experience hosted on a micro-website, featuring programming from various artists worldwide. To commemorate the event, Will Selviz created an augmented reality (AR) postcard. However, the process at the time required users to manually type a URL into their browser to activate the AR experience. This sparked a simple but transformative question: “Is there an easier way to access the URL using a phone?” The answer I came to was the QR code—an already universally recognized, convenient, and intuitive tool. By integrating QR codes into my art, I bridged the gap between the physical and digital worlds, making it easier for anyone to use their phone and activate the augmented reality experience bringing my pieces to life. This integration creates a unique, interactive experience, inviting audiences to engage with the artwork in ways they may never have encountered before.

How do you envision the role of augmented reality in shaping the future of art?

I see augmented reality (AR) as a transformative force that will redefine how we interact with art. Traditionally, physical art has been something to observe and reflect on internally. With my work, AR introduces a new dimension of interactivity, inviting viewers to actively engage with the piece to unlock its augmented reality experience. While it’s not necessary to activate the AR to appreciate the artwork, doing so creates a deeper connection by unveiling hidden layers of meaning. This interactivity encourages viewers to move beyond passive observation, taking an active role in discovering and experiencing the art. AR brings a dynamic, immersive quality that challenges the conventional boundaries of the art world. My goal has always been to blur the lines between reality and digital. Augmented reality makes that possible.

QR | Passage On | 2024

Can you describe the creative process behind embedding QR codes into your artworks?

The process of embedding QR codes into my artworks happens near the end, once the piece is largely complete. While I always ensure there’s a designated space for the QR code from the start, it’s crucial that the integration feels natural and seamless, as though it’s an organic part of the scene. Unlike some approaches where QR codes are prominently displayed or modeled into a scene, like in certain AI filter generators, my QR codes are embedded subtly, almost secretively. They are designed to blend into the artwork, often going unnoticed at first glance. This intentional subtlety makes discovering the QR code an engaging part of the viewer’s experience. The QR code acts as both a gate and a key, unlocking access to the augmented reality layer of the piece. It bridges the physical and digital worlds in a way that feels integrated and meaningful, rather than disruptive or overt. In a world increasingly focused on loud and obvious statements, I find that the art of subtlety creates a much deeper connection.

What challenges do you face in blending the physical and digital aspects of your art?

The biggest challenge I face in blending the physical and digital aspects of my art is, quite literally, file size. Platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, which support augmented reality (AR), have a file size limit of 8MB for filters. While this is an improvement from the 4MB limit Meta’s platform had when I first started, it still presents significant challenges. Staying within these file size limits often requires careful planning and compromises. There have been countless instances where an AR experience for an artwork had to be modified or scaled down to meet the platform’s requirements. Over time, I’ve learned—and continue to learn—digital art techniques to optimize file sizes without sacrificing the core experience. In my downtime, I enjoy watching videos about video game development, especially those that explore beta versions versus final releases, as well as videos on out-of-bounds exploration and cut content. These insights into how developers use tricks to optimize file sizes and create immersive worlds have been invaluable in refining my approach to AR art. Although challenging, I find it incredibly rewarding when I successfully create an AR experience that works seamlessly. Each challenge I overcome with one piece helps me improve the next, teaching me more about the platforms and how to best prepare an AR experience that stays true to the physical artwork viewers are engaging with.

QR | Paradise | 2024

Your art explores themes like identity and perception. How do QR codes enhance the storytelling in these themes?

QR codes enhance the storytelling in exploring these themes by altering our perception. They unlock the digital augmented reality (AR) experience, challenging how we view reality, art, and the creation of digital spaces right before our eyes. The QR codes allow a deeper story to unfold, revealing hidden themes that, on the surface, might appear as just another art piece. Yet beneath the surface, so much more is happening. One of my favorite examples of this is my artwork Lost Stories. The title itself embodies the idea that the individuals depicted in the piece each have their own unique lives and experiences. However, without the QR code’s ability and the viewer’s willingness to interact, their stories remain untold—lost to the flow of time. This reflects society at large, where each person has their own identity and narrative, yet these stories are often drowned out by the billions of others playing out daily. By challenging how people engage with art, the experience reshapes their perception of what is possible, expanding the boundaries of self-expression and the interplay between tangible and virtual spaces. It invites viewers to consider their own role as both observer and participant, forging a deeper connection to the stories being told and the technology that brings them to life.

QR | Lost Stories | 2022

How do you see your art engaging audiences who are not familiar with augmented reality or digital art?

That’s the beauty of it—you don’t need to be familiar with augmented reality (AR) to engage with my art. Activating the AR experience is entirely optional. Many people view and enjoy the piece for its physical form alone, which is perfectly fine and unique to those individuals. However, for those who are curious, for those who dare to engage further and venture down the rabbit hole, the AR experience is there for them. It’s always an addition, never a requirement. I ensure that the physical artwork stands on its own as a visually engaging piece, while the AR experience offers an extra layer of depth and exploration for those who seek it. For those who want to learn and activate the AR experience but may not be familiar with the technology, we provide documentation to guide them through the activation process. My goal is to ensure everyone can experience my art, whether they prefer the traditional physical art encounter or are eager to explore the innovative fusion of art and technology.

What role does pop culture or social issues play in your creative process?

Together, by utilizing pop culture and social issues, I aim to bridge the gap between the familiar and the thought-provoking, creating a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. Drawing inspiration from my personal favorite animes, shows, and movies, I strive to create something that resonates on multiple levels—something visually captivating yet layered with deeper narratives. My goal is to craft art that sparks curiosity, encourages reflection, and challenges perceptions, blending the aesthetics of pop culture with the meaningful exploration of social themes. As well, I draw from personal experiences to create pieces that hold personal meaning while also forming broader connections to the world, allowing my art to speak to both the individual and collective human experience.