The exhibition features over 50 works revealing how humans are transforming the planet. Photography, film and augmented reality (AR) takes visitors to different points on earth including landfills in Nairobi, marble quarries in Italy, logging in British Columbia and more. 40 of the works are new and recent large scale photographs by Burtynsky. Also in the exhibition are seven short films by Baichwal and de Penciller —  several that are aerial views.  It’s highly recommended to download the free app on your device before visiting to enhance to enjoy the AR experience. There are several tablets available in the exhibition to use as well, courtesy of Telus.

“Augmented Reality (AR) is part of what I have coined as Photography 3.0. – photography in the third dimension – and it’s been a natural progression of my last few years of work,” says Burtynsky.  “There are some things that a still, two-dimensional image cannot communicate, so similar to how Jennifer and Nick’s films bring a deeper layer of understanding, so does the augmented reality. It extends the possibilities of the art, and for a project like Anthropocene, having an immersive experience really brings the story home.”

How were the AR installations made? “The AR installations in the Anthropocene exhibitions were created using a process called photogrammetry, or ‘volumetric capture’,” says Burtynsky. ” In this process, thousands of high-resolution photographs of a single object or space – like the tusk pile that was captured at  ivory burn at Nairobi National Park in April 2016 – are taken and then stitched together in a digital environment to create life-sized (often true-to-scale), photorealistic, 3D images.”

Additional programming include:

Special screenings of Manufactured Landscapes directed by Jennifer Baichwal. Is a featured documentary that follows Edward Burtynsky as he travels through China photographing the evidence and effects of the country’s massive industrial revolution. Select dates, Jackman Hall, AGO.

Special screenings of Watermark directed by Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky. This documentary shows water as a terraforming element, as well as the magnitude of our need and use. Select dates, Jackman Hall, AGO.

Special screenings of  Anthropocene: The Human Epoch directed by Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky. This documentary is an exploration of the complex and indelible human signature on the Earth. This is the third in a trilogy of films including Manufactured Landscapes and Watermark. Select dates, Jackman Hall, AGO. (See trailer above)

The Walrus editor and author Harley Rustad, discusses his book, Big Lonely Doug: the story of one of Canada’s last great trees. The book tells the story of a 226-foot tall Douglas Fir tree in B.C.’s Gordon River Valley and the logger who saved it from a clearcut. Rustad will be interviewed by Sarain Fox, the host of Rise on Viceland, on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in Baillie Court.

In addition to the exhibition, Edward Burtynsky, Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier will take the stage in Baillie Court, AGO, on Wednesday Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. for a conversation about the making of Anthropocene. Ticketed event.

Also worth a listen is the recently launched is the Anthropocene Podcast. In conjunction with the Anthropocene exhibition,  Into the Anthropocene: Our Impact on Earth is a multi-episode podcast series hosted by storyteller and activist Sarain Fox. Featuring a diverse line up of scientists, writers, artists, poets, professors and activists, including Elizabeth Kolbert, Sheila Watt-Cloutier and Dr. Winnie Kiiru, each episode broadens the conversation sparked by the exhibition. The podcast will be available for download on iTunes and Google Play.

On Saturday, October 13, the AGO partners with The Bentway – the innovative public space under Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway – for a panel about water issues and climate change. This discussion is inspired by The Bentway’s art installation, Waterlicht, and Anthropocene. Tickets are free and will be available online in September.

Anthropocene is on now at the Art Gallery of Ontario. This timed-entry exhibition is here until January 6, 2019. For more information and a full list of events available at ago.ca

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But what is augmented reality, you ask? The simplest way to explain, it’s creating the illusion that visual objects are placed in a physical world using your mobile device as a lens into a virtual world based on what your camera sees.

I recently had the opportunity to check out a few Canadian made apps, who’s creators  have used the ARKit, Apple’s mobile AR platform for developers on iOS. With the new technology that exists with iPhones and iPads, there’s no need for anything more. Here are some of the apps and what they can do.

KINGS OF POOL: (FREE)

Picture this, you’re sitting waiting at the airport for your flight to paradise. You’re all excited to get on board only to discover your flight has been delayed. Sure you’ve work to do and you’ve got your phone to listen to music and a set of headphones to plug into the on board entertainment system. But now you’re stuck and you’ve already had your fill of Timmy’s. Kings of Pool from Toronto-based UKEN Studios, now gives players the ability to project a pool table in any space. Not only can you virtually plunk a table anywhere, but players can walk around it to have the best playing advantage. I’m also thinking this will be great for some of those upcoming holiday parties!

TSURO: ($3.99)

This popular board game is already the number one board game app in over 90 countries and is also one of the first AR board games. It’s mirrors much like the actual game but with lots of cool pyrotechnic effects as well as devious AI opponents of the app. Created by Thunderbox Entertainment of Montreal, this app has been downloaded 1.4 million times. Founder Dan Taylor created the first AR Beta within an hour while he was waiting for a taxi, and within two weeks, he had the “Table Top AR Mode” ready to release. Highly addictive.

THOMAS & FRIENDS MINIS: (FREE )

Is a really fun playing opportunity with the popular toy train franchise for kids by Montreal’s Budge Studios.  In AR mode, kids can create their own train tracks on any flat surface and then look for goods for Thomas & Friends to deliver. Additional animation brings play to life and special surprises offered during times like Halloween which keeps things fresh that even parents are getting into. Budge Studios is already known for their kid-focused games including licensed titles like My Little Pony, and Garfield. I was amazed to find out that this developer built Thomas & Friends Minis in three months and launched the same day that iOS 11 released. I wish this was around when my kid were younger!

MAGICPLAN:

Isn’t a game but a designer’s dream with the ability to create floor plans. Created by Montreal’s Seneopia, the app uses the camera on the iOS device to capture the measurements of a room to create a professional looking floor plan. This gives interior decorators, architects, office managers, real estate agents and homeowners the ability to visualize their space to create the look they want. Adding furniture and fixtures as well as other elements in the space is done through the constantly updated choices existing through third party popular retailers with the option to purchase right through the app if desired. They tell us that there are over 40,000 floor plans created every day.

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