Smartify launched at the Royal Academy of Arts in London last week. It has been described by its creators as "a Shazam for the art world", because – like the app that can identify any music track – it can reveal the title and artist of thousands of artworks.
5 comments:
I think Smartify is a really cool idea and definitely understand the article's comparison of the app to a knowledgeable friend explaining all about an art piece. However, I think the app being created raises three questions. The first question is what is the accuracy of the app? I’m surprised that article doesn’t mention these things at all or have a number of pictures it has so far accurately identified. Another question raised is what are the designers hiding. The app designers seem to be very secretive of their technology as they don’t explain how it works and this makes me wonder if the designers are trying to hide some flaw or if it is they are worried about scalpers stealing the idea and taking credit before the product is copyrighted? The final question this article raises is what will happen to the people who are docents and spend their life researching and studying ancient art? Yes, this will be a slow to phase in if this app is successful but what does it mean for people who have dedicated their lives to give tours at museums or studying the art put in museums?
I love this idea! While it will never replace actually talking to someone about the work, this could be incredibly invaluable for not only identifying and researching artwork and getting neat information about it as you see the piece in front of view, but also allow for users to share what they may know about the pieces with others online - they stated that you could upload your own works. I love the philosophy of making smartphones more beneficial then detrimental in gallery settings, too. In an ever more technological world, the integration of smartphones into museums is key to the continued interest in their works and what they have to offer, especially since this allows the viewers to feel they have more control over what they see and get information on and adds to a feeling of 'interacting' with the pieces, rather than passively looking at them hanging on a wall.
Ok, so this is genius, obviously. There are so many pieces of art work that I see in a museum, and love, but forgot to write down the name. And then, I never forget the painting, but boy oh boy do I forget what it’s called. To be able to take a picture of a piece of artwork and be instantly reminded of the name of it seems like a wonderful idea. The article says: “"[We want] to provide information in the most elegant, accessible and unobtrusive way possible," Lowe said.
"As a social enterprise, we hope the app will encourage more people to think visual art, and visiting museums and galleries is 'for them', and also support public museums and artists in engaging differently with existing audiences and reaching new ones," . I completely agree, the more people talk about art the more widespread it may become. I look forward to this app growing.
I really love this idea and this concept but looking at the reviews of the actual app on my phone has lead me to think that the app needs to have work done in order to improve is functionality. I really do love the idea that I can just scan an art piece and get the information that I need on it in an instant. The ability to know at an instant is amazing. But I think that the app could easily add some functionality from the get go. Like being able to create your own gallery collecting information on pieces that you've already seen. Or working with museums in order to coordinate and curate experiences for their viewers just to boost the functionality. With things as well as adding and partnering with as many artists and museums to becomes as in-depth as possible. I just don't want to see an idea as great as this be squandered and turn people away just because it isn't executed to the best of its ability.
I think the concept of Smartify is incredibly smart and unique as it can unite people on the topic of art and allow people of all backgrounds to come together and learn more about art. I love the idea of just being able to scan a portrait and then be able to know about the actual piece, the artist, and more than what you might be able to know from a museum. The concept of being able to save the artwork as well and then share it with other people in the Smartify community is incredibly smart as it is a way to build a network of people who are interested in art. In the article, it said: “The company hope that project will reframe the use of smartphones in galleries, as objects for engagement rather than disruption.” I completely agree with this idea, as I think it would be so much better for people to engage in art through technology rather than be distracted by it. I can’t wait to see this app grow and develop.
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