Vinya Singh
In the quiet campus of Alliance Française, Chandigarh, a curious installation has transformed the premises into a treasure hunt. Artworks come to life, fantastical animals whisper questions and figures move, surrounding the onlookers with mystical creatures, invisible to the naked eye.
With a simple scan of your phone, a fluorescent cat appears, watching you with glowing eyes or a fox before you, asking an unexpected question. This is the magic of Uramado by Julie Stephen Chheng, a Paris-based artist whose innovative augmented reality (AR) art installation is full of spirit animals guiding visitors through an interactive journey of self-discovery.
The artist effectively blends digital storytelling with traditional paper-based art to create the exhibition, inviting visitors to explore hidden AR artworks scattered across the campus courtyard and library. Using a special app called Uramado AR, each scan reveals a beautifully designed Tanuki, mythical racoons with the ability to shape shift—ranging from majestic lion to tranquil owl, each representing different personality traits and emotions.
But there’s more, each animal poses a thought-provoking question to the visitor, encouraging reflection on personal growth, natural elements and the spirit world. As quiz players progress, they collect digital spirit animals within the app. By the end of the experience, their responses unfold into the shape of a personalised result, revealing their own custom spirit animal and the symbolism like if the individual is connected more to the day or the night! Eva Saini, a visitor, says, “According to the app, I have l’esprit du Chat! and I do agree with the nocturnal symbolisms of cats.”
The installation combines art, psychology, and ‘gamification’ to create a deeply immersive experience—one that resonates with the visitors. Fanny, the institution’s librarian, says, “The exhibition has something to offer to both the young and adults, while developing language skills.”
The installation wonderfully merges ancient traditions of animal symbolism with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that journeys are unique to each visitor while exploring the digital and surrounding landscapes.
(Open to visitors till February 28 between 10 am to 5 pm on workdays)
