Discover interactive digital works of art in biomes around the world at the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens calls Seeing the Invisible the most ambitious and expansive exhibition to date of contemporary works of art created with augmented reality (AR) technology.

What is AR and how does exposure work?

Augmented reality, or AR, refers to any technology that “augments” or adds to the user’s view of their surroundings. Usually, digital information is superimposed on an existing real environment and is affixed to a location as the user moves around it or moves their device around it, according to the RBG.

The first exhibition of its kind to be developed in collaboration with botanical gardens around the world, Seeing the Invisible premiered at RBG on September 23 as one of 12 participating gardens in seven countries and the only location in Canada. .

It presents new works by more than a dozen international artists.

By placing these digital experiences in botanical gardens in different countries, the exhibition tackles the themes of nature, the environment and sustainability and explores the boundaries and connections between art, technology and nature.

Visitors will participate in Seeing the Invisible via a downloadable application on smartphones and tablets. Forging new connections between botanical gardens located in various biomes around the world, the exhibition fosters collaboration between institutions, artists and the public, highlighting the power of art to connect people around the world, according to the RBG .

Using the app interface, visitors will discover 13 unique and interactive works of art that dot the landscape of Hendrie Park. Visitors can snap photos with larger-than-life, moving and interactive works of art that they can browse virtually, all while connecting to an audio component that amplifies the artistic experience.

When and where is the exhibition?

Seeing the Invisible is located in Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W., Thursday through Sunday through Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is there a cost?

This is a special event with ticket and you must register in advance. When purchasing your ticket, you will be asked to choose a date and time. The time slots are 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $ 24.50 for general admission; $ 21.50 for seniors and youth / students; $ 16.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and $ 2 for RBG members.

Children under four are free. These prices do not include service charges.

What else is there to do this fall at RBG?

Experience the Pumpkin Hollow in the Rock Garden, a family-friendly spot between October 22-24, as you stroll by candlelight from hundreds of pumpkins while enjoying pumpkin-themed shows, activities and treats .

RBG’s 27 km of nature trails pass through gardens, wetlands like Cootes Paradise and the Carolinian Forest.

Bird watchers will find an abundance of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl migrating through RBG’s natural sanctuaries, with top-notch birding opportunities near Marsh Walk or near Grindstone Creek.

For more details and activities, visit https://www.rbg.ca/