GEORGE TOWN, Feb 16 — Artists who are not based in Penang can now showcase their artwork in the serene surroundings of Armenian Park in the heart of George Town without sending their physical masterpieces over.

Perk Reality founder Aboud Fares, in collaboration with Penang Art District, is introducing the ARmenian Park project with an exhibition of Mandy Maung’s Orikata Tales collection this month.

The ARmenian Park project is an augmented reality (AR) interactive outdoor art installation that creates a unique interactive experience for visitors in the park.

According to Fares, there are 18 boards with dedicated codes scattered throughout the park that allow visitors to see the art come to life when they scan it using the Perk Reality app.

"The artistic work will differ each month and my aim is to feature the work of artists outside of Penang,” he said.

He believes that the project will create an immersive experience for visitors, while at the same time, turn public spaces into art and cultural spaces using AR technology.

He said this will allow artists from not only Malaysia, but also around the world to showcase their art without having to find a way to send their physical works to Penang.

"All I need are high resolution photos of their art and I will be able to put it up in the exhibition,” he said.

He said he uses 3D modelling software to render the images so that it appears like an actual painting in AR mode.

"Augmented reality offers a new level of interaction and engagement for viewers by taking art outside the confines of a traditional gallery and bring it to life in a public space setting,” he said.

The art featured in the ARmenian Park project will be rotated monthly, he said.

He said it could feature group exhibitions and solo exhibitions but works featured should preferably be paintings or photography.

This is only the beginning of more AR exhibitions to be organised under Perk Reality, as Fares is looking at setting up similar projects in various locations all over Malaysia.

The ARmenian Park project will only be for a year, and after that, Fares is looking at setting up similar AR art exhibitions in public spaces in states such as Perlis, Perak, or even Sabah and Sarawak.

The ARmenian Park exhibition is currently ‘live’ in the park, and it will be officially launched by the Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow tomorrow.