The Grandeur Of Power

Honored to be a part of The Grandeur Of Power Curated by Eric Shiner! "The artworks in this exhibition examine notions of power from myriad viewpoints and through numerous media. In the end, they all share the common thread of urging us to question power, and ultimately to harness it to benevolent ends." - Curator Eric Shiner.  My work M42 & M43 Data was collected over a 10 hour period of the M42 & M43 nebula. The capturing process used portrays light that has traveled thousands of years to now be represented through hundreds of separate images amassed into one whole. This whole, compressed with data, still only yields a reflection of what once was and only from a fixed perspective. Revealing our limitation on harnessing the powers of the universe and our portrayal of scientific knowledge as a whole as opposed to the fragmented way in which we perceive it. Join AAP for the opening reception of 'The Grandeur of Power' on Saturday May 6th. This exhibition was curated by Eric Shiner and features 46 AAP artists. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. Learn more: https://www.aapgh.org/power



https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F60LkyBt5bg

Makers of The Metaverse: Christopher Ruane On The Future Of The VR, AR & Mixed Reality Industries

Be sure to check out my interview for Medium Magazine. We discuss my AR work and what's to come in the industry. I loved sharing my thought's and experiences in this unexplored space. Check it out at the link below.

https://medium.com/authority-magazine/makers-of-the-metaverse-christopher-ruane-on-the-future-of-the-vr-ar-mixed-reality-industries-957388b0f348

Interaction Now

Virus Simulation and Virus Simulation B are part of the exhibition Interaction Now at Robert Morris University Media Arts Gallery. An exhibition of artworks reflecting on our interactions and how they have changed or been impacted by the pandemic. How have we adapted to these changes or in what ways have we been altered since February 2020? Both works are available as 1/1 NFT at the links below. Please view in HD Full Screen








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https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/21700508312702497607651062466562488410497782673643633680411915503953862721537/

Digital Directions 2022

Juror Jonathan Monaghan, Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Art at The Catholic University of America has chosen The Paperman for inclusion in the exhibition Digital Directions 2022 at Circle Gallery in Annapolis, MD. The show includes 34 artists embracing digital media. Check it out at the gallery through Feb 26th or at the link below for sales.
https://mdfedart.com/mfaentry/galleryA/index.php?myid=6FKGZPA9&evtid=238.

108th @ Pittsburgh International Airport

My LiDAR Portrait, Isaac is on display at the Pittsburgh International Airport for the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh's 108th Annual exhibition. The LiDAR(light detection and ranging) sensor is the primary way in which machines and modern robots see the world. The piece also has an augmented reality component that allows the viewer to interact with the portrait revealing layers of information. Check out the video test below and the exhibition through March 10th.  1/1 NFT comes with a signed 8x10  physical augmented reality print. Message for help purchasing if needed.





https://www.aapgh.org/108th-airport-images

8th Catholic Arts Biennial

My work Jacob's Ladder is part of the 8th National Catholic Arts Biennial, and is the first ever AR/VR piece to be included in the  show. Just scratching the surface of my exploration between technology and Sacred Art, I am excited to share what is next. Pushing the boundaries of reality and finding a new space for the contemplation of The Divine is a process that is slowly revealing itself. Please view Jacob's Ladder in the video below to see how the work is experienced through Augmented Reality. Also other great works from artists Janet Mckenzie and Jordan Hainsey to name a few along with a pic of me participating in the interactive work Saintly Selfies (an honorable mention in this years Biennial). Check out the show at The Verostko Center through October 29th.

IPA 2020 AWARDS & TIFA 2020 AWARDS

I am very honored that my work was recognized by both the International Photography awards and The Tokyo International Photography Awards this year. I received an Honorable Mention for both The Wind and The Sun and The Paperman from IPA and a winning Silver Award for The Paperman AR experience from TIFA .  Please check out the links below for more info.

http://www.tokyofotoawards.jp/winners/social/2020/23-27847-20/
https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-203894-20
https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-203880-20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMdkfDRIP40

2020 Best AR @ New Media Film Festival

I am honored to have won the Best Augmented Reality at the 2020 New Media Film Festival. The transformation of my work The Wind And The Sun from image to interactive experience was a process to say the least. The piece, which implements a first of its kind touch rotation feature, is brought to life in 3 dimensions with changing atmosphere and active light that adjusts with the User's interaction. The Viewer becomes the Traveler and is able to walk into the space. I am so pleased that this new approach to AR landscape was recognized by judges from HBO, Marvel, the Emmys, and 20th Century Fox. Be sure to watch the promo video below.

Transverse: Virtual Art Exhibition

The Paperman is part of the International Free Expression Project. The image is much more than just a photograph. It is a history unraveled through the use of technology. I was asked to document the closing of the historic Pittsburgh Post Gazette Press Room. I decided to take the project further and merge the beginning and the end. The physical composite was created using photographs of PPG press workers from the 1950's and my images of the now closed facilities on the blvd of the Allies. When looking at the image with the app, The Paperman leaves the image and he appears in our 3D space controlling and rebuilding his work station around the viewer. A supernatural personification of the men and women who poured their life into the building of the American newspaper and have now become the heart of the mechanism. It is clear to see that his spirit has lived on, eerily returning to his post nearly seven decades later.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the announcement that the 2020 Pittsburgh Visual Art Exhibition would now be held virtually, I realized that people would not be able to experience the Augmented Reality in the exhibition space. It was my intention to have people experience this complex AR environment firsthand, each part of this historic machine rebuilt piece by piece surrounding the viewer. With this no longer being possible, I decided to create a 3D version of an environment similar to the space where the exhibition was to be held. Through the creation of the virtual space and video presentation, the viewer can see what the AR experience would have looked like if they were physically there and unlimited space was supplied. The creation of the digital space and forced interaction says a lot about what art looks like in isolation. We do not only have to create the content but the environment it was meant to be viewed in. Adding yet another layer of false reality.

VISIONS, ETC. @ Tomayko Gallery

Tomayko Gallery @ Point Park University
212 Wood St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

On view December 11, 2019 – March 11, 2020

Selected Augmented Reality works from Christopher Ruane's Visions Series and beyond. Experimentations combining mixed reality, photography, and film. Forming a symbiotic relationship the works are both physical and virtual, existing in 2D space and a created 4th dimension. Each piece takes the viewer on an interactive journey and highlights the evolution of a new art form. With Pittsburgh as a backdrop, topics of mortality, human impact on our environment, freedom of expression, and religion are explored.

Gallery open by appointment only. Please call the AAP office to schedule an appointment at 412-361-1370.

ARTIST TALK & RECEPTION
Tuesday, February 11th @ 5:30pm
Light beverages and snacks provided.
RSVP on Facebook