D.S. Bradford has launched a new augmented reality programme named Go Love Universally on Mars and the International Space Station. It is the first and only artistic activation to traverse a distance of more than 62 million miles across space.
Speaking about the art activation, Bradford said that he creates art pieces which are capable of occupying surreal spaces that may or may not exist physically. Bradford prioritises realism as an artist but has an inclination towards surrealism similar to the works of Salvador Dalí and M.C. Escher. He is focussed on creating otherworldly art pieces, as well as taking those to the locales of other worlds. He has been able to do so with the technology available to him.
Go Love Universally is D.S. Bradford’s first space art initiative. Future, the artist’s first virtual art piece, makes him the first person to have accessible immersive space art. Art has the ability to go beyond boundaries and has an impact on perceived realities, as said by Cesar A. Cruz, a widely respected author and poet. However, many artists are finding it quite challenging to expand their horizons due to the current situation caused by the pandemic. Yet, they are trying to use new avenues like augmented reality to share their art.
Bradford is already familiar with the AR medium. He has been using it since the technology became more accessible to consumers. Bradford started with precomposed videos and went on to do different experiments based on technological advancements. Tools like Artivive and Arloopa were used by him to make creating digital immersive art a better experience.
In recent times, artists have been using augmented reality technology to gain global level accessibility, in a time when most people are stuck in quarantine. Bradford stands apart from the crowd with Go Love University, which is a programme promoting inclusivity.
Bradford’s artwork was activated on the International Space Station (ISS), which was a milestone event proving that there are no limits to how far art can go if combined with augmented reality. He is the first artist to launch art into space. Audiences have struggled to grasp the concept of such art, but people in isolation can have a great experience with it.
The ongoing pandemic is making things difficult for businesses across industries. However, immersive technologies like AR are flourishing currently due to how they are created and shared. Bradford thinks that now is the time to focus on making the best of augmented reality technology, as artists can reach out to the world without being susceptible to health risks.
According to Bradford, digital virtual art spaces can be experienced anywhere. The technology brings forth the opportunities for artistic expressions that can be shared to users, and simultaneously occupy space within a computer. He believes that technology can be useful for helping artists thrive. Bradford considers immersive technology to be the future of art and can expand the imaginations of artists.
