ABOUT
‘‘Monumental Dialogues”
Inspired by the work of Krzysztof Wodiczko, known for his large-scale slide and video projections on architectural facades and monuments, this project would involve the creation of an AR filter that allows users to see and interact with monuments in a new light.
Users could point their camera at a monument, and the AR filter would overlay a projection onto the monument. This projection could be a video or animation that brings to life the voices and stories often left out of traditional historical narratives. For example, a statue of a historical figure could be overlaid with a projection of a person telling a story that provides a different perspective on that figure’s legacy.
In addition to overlaying projections onto existing monuments, the AR filter could also provide interactive elements. Users could tap on different parts of the monument to hear different stories or viewpoints, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the monument and its historical context.
The goal of this project would be to raise awareness about the complexities of history and the power dynamics inherent in public monuments. By using AR to add new layers of meaning to these monuments, users might be more motivated to engage in conversations about how we remember and represent our history.
This project aligns with Snap Inc.’s mission to improve the way people live and communicate, as it uses the power of AR to educate users about a critical social issue and encourages them to communicate about it with others.
”Monumental Dialogues” AR project:
When users activate the ”Monumental Dialogues” AR filter on their Snapchat app, they are introduced to the project and its objectives. They are then instructed to direct their camera towards the Statue of Liberty.
When users activate the ”Monumental Dialogues” AR filter on their Snapchat app, they are introduced to the project and its objectives. They are then instructed to direct their camera towards the Statue of Liberty.
As the camera identifies the statue, the AR filter overlays a projection onto it. This could be a video or an animation that brings the statue to life, allowing it to narrate its own history and significance. For instance, when a user points their camera at the Statue of Liberty, they might see a projection of the statue itself, sharing its own story as an immigrant and a beacon of hope and freedom.
In addition to the visual overlay, users also hear audio narratives that provide context and different perspectives on the monument’s history. These narratives are activated by tapping different parts of the monument on their screen. For example, tapping on the base of the Statue of Liberty might play a narrative about the history of the statue and the symbolism it carries.
Throughout this immersive experience, users are encouraged to move around the monument and explore it from different angles. This not only provides a more engaging experience, but also allows users to uncover different stories and viewpoints that are embedded in different parts of the monument.
The ”Monumental Dialogues” AR filter offers a unique and interactive way to engage with history. It invites users to see familiar monuments in a new light, and encourages them to reflect on the complexities and controversies of our shared history.
’’I stand before you as the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope, freedom, and opportunity. Yet, like many who gaze upon me, I too am an immigrant. I was born in France, conceived by the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and gifted to the United States as a symbol of friendship between our nations and a beacon of freedom and democracy.
I was assembled here, on this island, piece by piece, much like the lives of those who came to this land seeking a new beginning. I was not always as you see me now. I was brought here in parts, across the vast Atlantic, a journey that mirrors the fragmented journeys of millions who crossed oceans, left homelands, and risked everything for a chance at a better life.
I have stood here for over a century, a silent witness to the waves of immigrants arriving on these shores. I have seen their faces filled with hope and trepidation, their hearts yearning for the promise of a new life. I have seen families torn apart and reunited, dreams shattered and rebuilt. I have seen the struggle, the resilience, the courage, and the unwavering belief in the promise of a better tomorrow.
I am more than just a statue. I am a symbol of the immigrant experience. I am a testament to the strength and resilience of those who have left everything behind to start anew. I am a reminder of the promise of America, a land of opportunity, a place where dreams can become reality.
But let us not forget that the path to this dream is not easy. It is fraught with challenges and hardships. It requires sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one's potential. It is a journey that tests the limits of human endurance and the strength of the human spirit.
So, as you look upon me, remember my story, and the stories of millions of immigrants who have shaped this nation. Remember the struggles and the triumphs, the tears and the joy, the journey and the destination. For in every face that gazes upon me, in every heart that yearns for freedom, in every soul that seeks a better life, I see a reflection of my own journey, a testament to the enduring spirit of hope, and a reminder of the promise of America. ’’
Monument Selection
Statue of Liberty, New York
As the camera recognizes the statue, the AR filter overlays a projection onto it. This could be a video or an animation that brings the statue to life, allowing it to narrate its own history and significance. For instance, when a user points their camera at the Statue of Liberty, they might see a projection of the statue itself, sharing its own story as an immigrant and a beacon of hope and freedom.
The ”Monumental Dialogues” AR filter offers a unique and interactive way to engage with history. It invites users to see familiar monuments in a new light, and encourages them to reflect on the complexities and controversies of our shared history.
