Photo: Delaywaves via Wikimedia Commons
A much-talked-about public art installation is making its return to Central Park. Starting February 12, visitors can experience “The Gates” through an augmented reality (AR) exhibition, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the display.
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Photo: uwe kempa via Flickr
Photo: dragonflyajt via Flickr
Public opinion on the project was split at the time. While tourists flocked to it, and many New Yorkers embraced the bold colors as a happy contrast to the bleak winter landscape, critics dismissed it as intrusive and impractical for regular park-goers. “The Gates” soon became a national talking point as comedians like David Letterman and Stephen Colbert turned it into comedic fodder on their late-night programs.
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This time, “The Gates” returns in a digital format, allowing visitors to engage with the iconic artwork through their smartphones. Users can access the AR experience by scanning QR codes displayed throughout Central Park, and the gates will virtually re-appear on their screens. Visitors can then step in front of their phone’s camera and create the illusion of standing beneath the gates, offering a new way to interact with the installation.
Vladimir Yavachev, director of projects for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation and Christo’s nephew, explained the motivation behind this revival to Spectrum News NY1: “We wanted to bring back “The Gates” in a way that honors the original while embracing modern technology to reach a new generation.”
Visitors can access the AR exhibition by downloading the Bloomberg Connects app, available on both iOS and Android devices. The experience is centered between East 72nd Street and Cherry Hill in Central Park, and will be available from February 12 through March 23.
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Ahhh yes, the AR version for the people who can’t get off their phones….I am certain the artist is rapidly spinning in his grave about this complete abomination of true art. Who the fuck comes up with this garbage?
I walked across the park at 72nd Street a few times over the last 3 weeks, and I kept seeing the signs for the new “virtual” gates exhibit. But the signs weren’t clear that it’s “virtual” only. So one must have networked smartphone to experience the park now.