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
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
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.
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
https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/21700508312702497607651062466562488410497782673643633680411915511650444115969/
https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/21700508312702497607651062466562488410497782673643633680411915503953862721537/
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
I appreciate the mention and brief review of my work by the Post-Gazette regarding the AAP 107th at The Westmoreland Museum. Check it out at the link below.
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2019/12/13/Associated-Artists-of-Pittsburgh-annual-exhibition-Westmoreland-Museum-2019/stories/201912040018
One of my Augmented Reality pieces will be a part of the Associated Artists Of Pittsburgh's 107th Annual Exhibition. The show was juried and curated by Juana Williams, the Exhibitions Curator at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. I am very happy to be a part of this year's annual and look forward to seeing the many great works chosen for the show. Be sure to check out this exhibition at the Westmoreland Museum Of American Art through January 26th, 2020. Preview Party (ticketed) Saturday, Nov. 9th 6:00pm-9:00pm. Opening reception Sunday, Nov. 10th 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Exhibiting Artists
Atticus Adams, Theresa Antonellis, Pati Beachley, Cory Bonnet, Jason Boone, Terry Boyd, Sheila Cuellar-Shaffer, Kathleen DePasse, Margot Dermody, Ron Donoughe, Dan Droz, Haylee Ebersole, Tom Ferraro, Carolyn Frischling, Tyler Gaston, Sarika Goulatia, Rebecca Harmon, Richard Harydzak, Heather Heitzenrater, Joshua Hogan, Tazim Jaffer, Alejandro Jimenez, Adam Linn, Cara Livorio, Scott Lloyd, Stephanie Martin, Grant McFarland, Nancy McNary-Smith, Joan Milsom, Sandra Moore, Ellen Chisdes Neuberg, Ronald Nigro, Katie Ott, Susan Palmisano, Mark Panza, Brian Pardini, Leah Patgorski, Garry Pyles, Katie Rearick, Dafna Rehavia, Christopher Ruane, Nicole Renee Ryan, Rachel Saul Rearick, Patrick Schmidt, Jeff Schwarz, Phiris Kathryn Sickels, Louise Silk, Nellie Lou Slagle, Randie Snow, Marc Snyder, Mia Tarducci, Benjamin Thomas, and Eva Trout.
https://www.showclix.com/event/aap-107th-annual-party
My opening exhibition for my Visions - An Augmented Reality Series starts this week at The Landmark Theatre in LA, CA for the 10th anniversary of The New Media Festival. It is a pleasure to be working with Susan Johnston and the New Media team and I appreciate them hosting this cutting edge exhibition of my Augmented Reality Photographs.
Be sure to stop by and see other world premieres in new media like David Bowie Is The official augmented reality adaptation of the legendary exhibition, introduced and narrated by Oscar winner, Gary Oldman, and many other world premieres.
I have been behind on my blog in 2019! I have been very busy with new works, preparation for my LA Visions Exhibition, and expansion of my Augmented Reality App ARt. More info on all this to come, but for now here is a quick catch up:)
Sister Wendy Beckett: Envisioning Art Curated By Graham Sheering -
Having work in an exhibition honoring such an amazing person was a treat to be a part of. Noted Pittsburgh art dealer and art critic Graham Shearing, who curated the show, describes it as follows:
“How did a nun capture the imagination of the public simply through an enthusiastic contemplation of art? And through the unlikely medium of television?
This exhibition suggests that she found the spiritual not only in religious art, but in other, unlikely sources.
Here, a collection of art from public and private collections, and the work of living artists, reveals diverse visions of the spiritual. This may require hard looking, which was the practice of this nun, following the precept of the Victorian critic, John Ruskin: ‘To see clearly,’ he observed, ‘is poetry, prophecy, and religion, – all in one.’
Artist talk in conversation with curator, collector and friend Graham Sheering -
I was really happy to do a light artist talk and discussion with Graham during the exhibition. Great hearing students speak about the show on a deeper level. The interest in the show to the Art Therapy department was a refreshing and insightful by-product as well. Some photos and the write up in the Tribune Review below.
https://triblive.com/aande/museums/seton-hill-gallery-show-inspired-by-british-art-historian/
The St. Lawrence Church Youth Group -
It was a pleasure sharing some works and speaking with The St. Lawrence Church Youth Group about my journey in my faith and the making of Sacred Art. I felt the kids really connected with the work. What a great group of young men and women!
Artist Talk with the AAUW -
I enjoyed spending time with the AAUW speaking about my work at the Murrysville Municipal Building. It was very nice to see some old friends and also nice to share some of my work with the community. Below you can find the link to the accompanying article in the Tribune Review.
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/augmented-reality-artist-will-be-featured-speaker-at-aauw-meeting-in-murrysville/
[h2]My Image In Search Of Wins 1st Place Award In International Competition [/h2]
If you are in the New York area be sure to check out this show before it closes. The New York Center For Photographic Arts is hosting an exhibition of 90 international artists at the Soho Gallery For Digital Art. My image In Search of received a 1st place award and will be on display for the duration of the show. The juror for this event is brilliant punk fashion photographer Ellen Denuto. Here is a list of participating artists: Michael Knapstein, Francisco Diaz, Brett Erickson, DeEtte Viterbo, Tony Hertz,Angie McMonigal, Dianne Yudelson, John Atchley, Roberta Murray, Tore Terrasi, Jim Johnston, Peter Maeck, Jody Miller, Jason Knapp Tokio Kuniyoshi, Nataly Rader, Andy Berner, Steve Bromberg, Clara Mata,Trish Woodford, Adele Epstein, Terry Berenson, Christopher Ruane, Judi Altman, Elizabeth Currier, Jen Drociak, Frank Cusack, Connie Frisbee Houde and Marko Kalfa.
* Please click the link to explore this image in detail. http://www.christopherruane.com/Set/Digital-Paintings/In-Search-Of *
The End Is Real Promo Video was released on the web today on Youtube and Vimeo.
Check it out. Here is the artist statement as well:
The End Is Real was inspired by religious work from the 15th and 16th Centuries. The characteristics of elaborate frescos, painted with painstaking care to create countless individuals with their own story and purpose, are woven into one profound message. The portrayal of each character is so detailed, that each can stand alone, in complexity and emotion. The End Is Real attempts to recreate this feeling through the use of photography.
The End is Real is a modern interpretation of end times. It is composed of over 500 photographic layers, each shot individually. Every participant in the piece represents either a modern interpretation of a well-known and controversial biblical character or one of John’s 144,000 (Rev. Chap 6). The scriptural interpretations by the artist are portrayed analogously in contemporary forms. Historically, messages of the past are portrayed by individuals to whom we can no longer relate. The End Is Real bridges the gap between man’s earliest spiritual foundation to a fresh interpretation, resulting in a medium that places significant figures in current context to which we can relate.
The individuals that can be identified are contemporary interpretations of Jesus Christ, Judas, John the Apostle, The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, the moneychangers, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of God, Isaac and Abraham, Pontius Pilate, Eve, John the Baptist, Angel Gabriel, Elijah the Prophet, and the crowd at the crucifixion. Each object is also symbolic and is placed with intent to draw attention to societal and personal sins. The concepts of gluttony, greed, lust, and blasphemy are only several of the many facets of human nature communicated through the lens of the camera and the vision of the artist.