First Light

Multimedia artwork: Oil painting with augmented reality interaction.
Supernature: Simulacra solo exhibition. Pretoria Art Museum. 2022
Sold (Private Collection)

“First Light”, 2022. Animation by Andrea du Plessis

Andrea du Plessis, “First Light”, Oil on canvas, 116cm x 90cm, framed, 2022

The first in a series of paintings that start with sunrise and end with sunset, “First Light” shows how a cycle of light brings life to the landscape. As the sun rises, it pulsates and a glowing orb of light travels slowly towards the flower-tree. The orb touches the tree, and the tree comes to life with codes of light travelling from its petals down its trunk. The light hits the ground and moments later flowers start to sprout and float up from the ground, around the tree. It vanishes into the air, and the life cycle of light continues.  

“First Light” as an augmented reality experience:

A.R. interactivity is made possible with the use of the Artivive app which is available for download for free on both Apple and Android. Simply open the app, point the smart device at the painting (or an image of the painting on screen) and allow a few seconds for recognition. Requires internet connection.