QR : Blending Art, Technology & Augmented Reality
QR is a multi-dimensional artist based in Toronto, Canada. Seamlessly merging art and technology, QR’s unique style is characterized by the use of QR code technology to bridge the gap between traditional art and augmented reality digital art.
QR’s love of art and technology has led him to create an exciting and immersive experience that challenges the boundaries of traditional art. Through embedding QR codes into all his pieces, mobile devices scan and unlock a hidden digital dimension of the artwork that transforms the art piece in a new and unique way. This innovative use of technology allows QR to create art pieces that are interactive, engaging and thought-provoking.
Through his art, QR seeks to blur the lines between reality and imagination, creating a bridge where the physical and digital worlds meet as one. His work explores themes of identity, perception and the relationship between humans and technology. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including pop culture, nature and social issues. Creating art that transforms visually and is intellectually stimulating.
Lost Stories
Year: 2022
Size: 18x24
QR’s Artistic Expression
‘Lost Stories’ by QR explores the themes of connecting and space by highlighting the unique and often hidden narratives that define our lives. Each individual possesses a distinct story, contributing to the billions of experiences unfolding every day, directly or indirectly impacting all. However, many of these stories are lost to the collective past, present, and future, remaining unseen and unheard. The piece, through its integration of QR code technology, invites viewers to uncover these hidden stories, symbolizing the effort required to truly connect with and understand others. Scanning the embedded QR code, an augmented reality (AR) experience is unlocked, revealing the intricate stories that play out, stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.QR’s innovative approach merges traditional art with digital technology, emphasizing how modern tools can enhance our ability to connect with diverse experiences. This interaction between physical and digital realms mirrors the broader human experience of bridging gaps between different backgrounds and perspectives. The artwork underscores the potential of technology to reveal and celebrate the stories that define us, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience. ‘Lost Stories’ encourages viewers to engage actively with the piece, reminding us that meaningful connections often require effort and willingness to explore beyond the surface. Through this engagement, the once-lost stores are brought to life, highlighting the profound connections that exist between us all.
Why Can’t We All Love One Another and Get Along / Love
Tank
Year: 2024
Size: 12x12
QR’s Artistic Expression
‘Why Can’t We All Love One Another and Get Along’, ‘Love Tank’ for short, by QR is a thought-provoking piece that places the symbol of a tank with the concept of love. The tank, typically an emblem of conflict and war, is transformed into a metaphor for the struggles we all face in pursuing love. This artwork explores the idea that love is a challenging journey, often fraught with obstacles and battles. The tank’s imposing presence symbolizes the barriers and defenses we put up. Yet, it is a journey we persist in, driven by the hope of finding that special person who can break through our defenses and touch our hearts.The interactive AR experience adds a dynamic dimension to the artwork, inviting viewers to engage directly with the piece. By ‘firing’ a love ray from the tank, participants symbolically transform instruments of conflict into tools of connection and affection. This act of spreading love emphasizes the message that even in the face of difficulty, we have the capacity to choose love and promote kindness to all. The experience encourages viewers to reflect on their own struggles and the universal quest for love, promoting a sense of empathy and unity. Through this innovative approach, QR challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of love and conflict, inspiring us to foster harmony and understanding.
Odyssey
Year: 2024
Size: 24x36
QR’s Artistic Expression
‘Odyssey’ by QR captures the essence of adventure and the profound journeys that shape our lives. In this piece,the ship sailing through a turbulent sea symbolizes the voyage each of us undertakes, venturing into the unknown with courage, despite the uncertainties ahead. Much like explorers of old who feared falling off the world, we too face the unknowns in our personal odysseys. These journeys are filled with challenges and opportunities, pushing us to grow and evolve in ways we could never have anticipated. As the ship navigates through the stormy seas, it mirrors our determination to press on, overcome obstacles, and discover new horizons within ourselves.This artwork symbolizes the adventurous spirit inherent in all of us. It speaks to the unpredictable nature of life’s journey, where every experience, encounter, and challenge contributes to our unique story. ‘Odyssey’ invites you to reflect on your own journey, embrace the uncertainties, and recognize the beauty in the adventure that life offers. Through this piece, QR hopes to inspire you to continue navigating your path with the same resilience and curiosity that has propelled explorers and dreamers throughout history. Your odyssey is yours alone, full of unexpected twists and turns, it is in these moments that you find the true essence of your voyage, your odyssey.
Paradise
Year: 2024
Size: 18x24
QR’s Artistic Expression
‘Paradise’ by QR is a digital art piece that delves into the concept of a hidden immersive world where viewers can transcend their physical surroundings and enter a realm of endless fields and serenity. This piece invites participants to experience a unique augmented reality (AR) environment by scanning the QR code, allowing them to step into a paradisiacal pocket world. In the digital world, one can view 360 degrees, experiencing the rising sun and embracing a moment of renewal andrejuvenation. The visual representation of the endless reeds and rising sun encapsulates the idea of boundless possibility and the digital escape we all use to renew ourselves daily.QR’s ‘Paradise’ not only engages the visual senses but also encourages amulti-sensory experience. As participants view the world, they can listen to the sounds of the reeds rustling and the wind whispering, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. This piece aims to provide a meditative experience, urging viewers to pause and immerse themselves fully in the digital landscape. By focusing on the sun’s warmth and the serene sounds of nature, ‘Paradise’ offers a moment of tranquility and renewal, allowing participants to reset and rejuvenate their minds in this beautifully crafted digital oasis.EXTRAThrough the creation of ‘Paradise,’ QR experienced a profound reset and rejuvenation in his own artistic journey. This piece marks a pivotal shift in his work, introducing a new form of immersion that blurs the lines between digital and physical worlds. The inclusion of QR himself within the artwork, immersed in this tranquil world, symbolizes his own renewal and readiness to continue pushing boundaries. ‘Paradise’ heralds a new era for QR, one where he strives to seamlessly integrate and blend digital experiences with the physical realm, creating art that transcends traditional boundaries and invites viewers into entirely new dimensions of experience.
Passage On
Year: 2024
Size: 21x21
QR’s Artistic Expression
In ‘Passage On’ QR invites viewers into a layered exploration of transformation and resilience. This piece captures the bittersweet cycle of personal growth as we journey through life’s lessons and sacrifices, highlighting how each experience, whether joyful or challenging, shapes and reshapes us. The concept of moving forward through these moments is central, as the old parts of ourselves dissolve, making way for new forms to emerge. QR creates a sense of both release and renewal, reflecting the continual rebirth we experience as we navigate life’s endless transitions.At the heart of ‘Passage On’ is an interactive element; a QR code embedded within the work, inviting viewers to engage with the piece and immerse themselves through the augmented reality experience of the art piece. When activated viewers see the passage unfold, as the old path dissolves and the new path opens up representing the endless nature of our personal evolution. This experience captures the endless journey of becoming, as we continue forward, shaped but never halted by what we’ve left behind. Moving on and on again.
Labyrinth
Year: 2024
Size: 24x36
QR’s Artistic Expression
‘Labyrinth’ by QR explores the deeply personal and universal journey of self-discovery and the path that each of us takes in life. Drawing from scholar and classical interpretations of the labyrinth, QR distinguishes it from the more modern concept of a maze, reminding us that, unlike a maze’s complex branching paths, the labyrinth represents a singular, unbroken path to the center. This symbolic journey reflects the inevitable progression of life, with its many twists and turns, mirroring the unpredictability of our experiences. In this piece, QR channels the labyrinth’s historical association with meditation and spiritual development, suggesting that we are all navigating our life path. One that is forward-moving, intricate, and rich with moments of introspection.Through the interactive and immersive augmented reality experience, ‘Labyrinth’ allows viewers to engage physically and mentally with the work by scanning the embedded QR code and stepping into the virtual labyrinth. As they progress, participants are encouraged to reflect on their life’s journey. The moments of struggle, growth, and the core memories that shape who we are. QR emphasizes that, just as in the artwork, each of us is walking our own unique labyrinth, filled with experiences that define us. By inviting viewers to travel to the center of this digital labyrinth, QR creates a space for contemplation, where individuals can consider the personal significance of their path while connecting to the shared human experience of navigating life’s many turns.
Were there any pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your artistic career?
Absolutely. A defining moment for me happened in 2021 when I was inspired by multi-dimensional designer Will Selviz’s augmented reality (AR) postcard for Nike’s Air Max Day campaign in Toronto. It was an innovative piece, however, at the time the process required you to manually type in a long URL to access the experience. It felt like an unnecessary and long step that could be overcome with today's technology. The answer I came to was QR codes. They were already familiar, quick, and intuitive—an easy way to connect people directly to something deeper through the smartphone that almost everyone has today. From that point on, I started exploring how to integrate QR codes into my work in a way that felt natural and engaging. I didn’t just want them to be functional I wanted them to feel like part of the artwork itself. That shift changed everything. Instead of creating static pieces, I began designing experiences that encouraged interaction and discovery. My goal is always to bridge the gap being reality and imagination. Allowing for a new form of interactivity and discovery into an art piece we have not really seen before. It’s about making art that doesn’t just exist on a surface level but invites people to engage with it in a meaningful and deeper way.
How would you describe your art style and how has it evolved over time?
I’d describe my art style as transformative, immersive, and futuristic, a fusion of visual storytelling and interactive technology. My work isn’t just meant to be observed; it’s meant to be experienced. By integrating QR codes, I create pieces that invite curiosity, allowing viewers to unlock hidden digital layers and engage beyond the surface. Over time, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing file sizes and optimization, especially when working with augmented reality platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. Early on, I focused purely on the creative side, building detailed, interactive experiences, only to realize file size limitations for augmented reality filters. Resulting in me needing to cut out and rethink how to structure my work and the augmented reality experiences. This pushed me to become more strategic with my process. I started experimenting with how much detail is necessary for immersion versus what can be streamlined. It also influenced the way I embed QR codes, ensuring they not only blend into the art visually but also function efficiently within different platforms. These technical constraints have ultimately shaped my creative approach, helping me refine my work so that it’s not just engaging but also seamless and accessible.
Do you find inspiration in other disciplines,such as music,literature or film?
Pop culture and social issues are both essential elements in my creative process. By integrating them into my work, I aim to bridge the gap between the familiar and the thought-provoking, creating a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. I draw inspiration from some of my favourite anime, shows, and movies, not just for their aesthetics but for the deeper narratives they explore. My goal is to craft art that is visually captivating yet layered with meaning—something that sparks curiosity, encourages reflection, and challenges perceptions. Pop culture has a way of making ideas accessible, and by weaving it into my work, I can engage people on a level that feels natural while still exploring complex social themes. At the same time, my work is deeply personal. I pull from real-life experiences, shaping pieces that hold meaning for me while also forming broader connections to the world. Whether it’s about identity, technology, or how we interact with digital spaces, I want my art to speak to both the individual and the collective human experience—encouraging viewers to engage, question, and see beyond the surface.
What has been your most meaningful or memorable project to date?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is 'Lost Stories.' This piece embodies everything I aim to achieve with my art—challenging perception, blending digital storytelling with physical space, and rewarding curiosity. The QR code plays a crucial role in the artwork, and "Lost Stories" is one of the best examples of how they enhance storytelling. At first glance, the piece might appear as just another artwork. But once a viewer chooses to engage, scanning the embedded QR codes, they unlock a hidden augmented reality (AR) experience, revealing the stories that play that were invisible at first. This interaction reshapes how we view reality, art, and digital spaces, showing that beneath the surface, so much more is happening. The title, 'Lost Stories,' speaks to the concept behind the piece: each individual depicted has their own unique life and experiences, yet without the QR code’s ability, and the viewer’s willingness, to interact, their stories remain untold, lost to the flow of time. This reflects a broader truth in society: billions of stories unfold around us every day, yet most go unheard, drowned out by the constant noise of modern life. By integrating QR codes, this piece forces a shift in engagement. It’s no longer just about viewing art but participating in it. The experience becomes something personal, something that reshapes perception, expanding the boundaries of self-expression and the connection between physical and digital realities. Most importantly, "Lost Stories" invites viewers to reflect on their own role—not just as observers but as active participants in storytelling, in technology, and in how we choose to engage with the world around us.
Socials: @qrproxy on Instagram/TikTok/Snapchat
Website: qrproxy.co
Shop: qrproxy.co/shop