British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Becomes Latest Subject of "Scars of Democracy" AR App

Nov. 04, 2019

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been included as the latest political figure in the ‘Scars of Democracy’ street art gallery created by artist Capo’s Finest. The timing couldn’t be more apt, as Brexit turmoil persists and MPs gear up for Britain’s first pre-Christmas general election in almost a century.

The addition of Boris Johnson to the gallery of notorious politicians is no coincidence, but was the wish of users of the ‘Scars of Democracy’ app. The app was originally revealed with an exhibition at the 10^th anniversary edition of the Stroke Art Fair in May this year, and has already won many awards including a Webby For Good Award.

Users can vote on which politician will next be portrayed and tattooed by Street Artist Capo's Finest next, via a voting module integrated into the app, Currently, the Brazilian President Jair Blonsonaro and the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame are available for selection.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary in May 2019, the Stroke Art Fair in Munich celebrated the "right to exercise artistic freedom" according to Article 19 of the UN Convention on Human Rights in a special exhibition. For the first time, street art was transformed into a virtual vernissage with the help of Augmented Reality (AR), which can be viewed anywhere via the ‘Scars of Democracy’ app.

The app is an immersive online gallery based on the portrait series "Scars of Democracy" by street artist Capo's Finest, who created large-format watercolours of ten of the most notorious and influential contemporary politicians. In order to underline the irrevocability of their actions, the artist ‘got under the skin ‘of the protagonists by covering them with tattoos of seminal and often controversial decisions made during their political careers. Every motif is backed up by a video clip sourced from a wide range of global news portals.

What at first glance could be perceived as pure provocation at the special Stroke Art Fair exhibition, turns out to be a political enlightenment tool visualised through the app "Scars of Democracy":

Because only through the view of the smartphone camera can the meanings of the tattoos be digitally deciphered. The associated facts and background information can be unlocked in the form of journalistic reports and videos from various international news agencies.

The new app update adds an augmented reality function to the digital experience, which previously could only be experienced in connection with the exhibition or online at https://www.scars-of-democracy.com/.

The app enables all users – no matter where they are – to experience the exhibition. With the special "Couch Mode" function, users can project international political figures into their home walls and discover the messages behind the tattoos. This is made possible with the help and skilful interpretation of the innovative image recognition software from Apple's AR Kit 2.0. The app was implemented together with Plan.Net Innovation Studio.

For more information about Stroke Art Fair go to: http://www.stroke-artfair.com.