For Takashi Murakami’s highly anticipated solo exhibition at The Broad Museum in Los Angeles, BUCK partnered with Meta to create six site-specific AR experiences. Titled 'Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow'. This exhibition featured immersive AR installations blending Murakami's artistic vision with The Broad's unique architecture.
As a 3D designer, Clara Bacou helped define how Murakami's art could translate to AR and be seamlessly integrated into the gallery setting around his work — this involved 3D design, modelling, texturing, asset optimization and setting up 3D assets in Spark AR.
These meticulously crafted AR installations fit within the constraints of mobile rendering, providing an engaging, colourful, and technically innovative addition to Murakami’s exhibition, delighting visitors and complementing the vibrant atmosphere of The Broad.
At the museum entrance, visitors were welcomed by Murakami’s mascot, Mr. DOB, floating above the plaza like a giant parade float amidst blooming and smiling Ohana Flowers.
The surrounding 3D Ohana Flowers bloomed at the start of the experience, with their faces changing expressions in a loop. Using a space-saving system, Meta Spark’s technology allowed for a variety of color variations, enhancing both performance and visual appeal. Small 2D Ohana Flowers also bloomed and rained down as particles, bringing playful animation in Murakami's signature rainbow hues.
Large Ohana Flowers bloom atop The Broad's iconic Veil, entertaining visitors in the queue.
Murakami’s Clone X Avatars are rendered in AR, transforming the digital sculptures into a sculptural gallery dimension.
Virtual 14' Demon sculptures stand guard in the lobby, enhancing the space without affecting foot traffic.