alex israel x snapchat portraits exhibited at art basel miami 2021

alex israel x snapchat AT THE BASS

at art basel miami 2021, visitors to the bass art museum in miami beach will be able to see the work of alex israel come to life in a virtual, three-dimensional way. the alex israel x snapchat exhibition presents five of the artist’s self-portraits that use snapchat’s augmented reality technology to create immersive experiences.

the exhibition expands on the artist’s 2019 self-portraits series with three brand new works. alex israel x snapchat is on view at the bass from november 29 through may 1, 2022.

alex israel, self-portrait (pelican with fish), 2019, acrylic and bondo on fiberglass with snapchat augmented reality lens

an entirely new experience of painting

each of the five self-portraits is enhanced by snapchat’s marker tracking: technology that connects a digital, AR experience to a custom, physical object. when viewed through the dedicated snap overlay, visitors can enjoy immersive, animated experiences.

the works include a dancing avocado, a pelican by the sea, and a palm tree that appear to burst through the 2D panel into real life. other experiences include a psychedelic joyride through los angeles, the hometown of both snapchat and alex israel. there’s also the painter that blends video and AR, with the artist performatively ‘painting’ his self-portrait logo in digital light on a transparent fourth wall before magically breaking it.

alex israel, self-portrait, 2019, acrylic and bondo on fiberglass

in addition to the five self-portraits, there’s also a site-specific sixth work that uses snapchat’s landmarker technology to interact with the historic art deco façade of the bass. this outdoor AR experience includes a cross-legged alex israel avatar, accompanied by disney-esque critters in a pop-up enchanted forest, enlightened by a baroque art history book.

‘the bass is thrilled to bring this collaboration between alex israel and snapchat to miami beach this year,’ says executive director and chief curator of the bass, silvia cubiñá.‘I am excited for the public to experience the interactive technology behind alex israel’s works, especially the never-before-seen outdoor work that uses snapchat’s landmarker technology to activate our museum façade, making this work accessible to those who visit the museum and passersby alike!’

alex israel, self-portrait (palm), 2019, acrylic and bondo on fiberglass with snapchat augmented reality lens