Daniel Leighton Art + AR 2.8.6

Daniel Leighton is a contemporary fine artist who skillfully integrates his diverse backgrounds in painting, filmmaking, storytelling, and technology by incorporating augmented reality into his iPad artworks.

His work has garnered recognition from esteemed institutions and prominent figures, including Timothy Potts, Director of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles; Bryan Barcena from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA); Nicholas Barlow at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where he has recently been a speaker. His contributions extend to the LA Center for Digital Art (LACDA), Technarte, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA), among others.

Living with Crohn’s Disease since birth has profoundly shaped Leighton’s artistic journey. From a young age, he confronted his mortality through numerous invasive procedures and hospitalizations. This experience has propelled him into a deep exploration of the intricacies of his body and emotions.

Leighton's emotional portraits are characterized by simple lines and vibrant colors, reflecting complex states of the human psyche while investigating the intersection of technology and emotion for communal benefit.

Through his application, Daniel Leighton Art+AR, viewers can experience his paintings as dynamic narratives. By employing animation, film, and particle systems, he enhances each piece, allowing the artwork to convey a more profound emotional story.

For instance, in the painting "On Trial," viewers can discern anger manifested in the characters' expressions and gestures. The moon, witnessing the unfolding drama, sports a solitary tear. When accessed via the augmented reality app, the scene ignites into flames—a metaphor for anger—and can only be extinguished by tapping on the moon, prompting it to weep, thereby dousing the fire. This piece addresses themes of blame and judgment, illustrating how expressing emotions can lead to catharsis.

Another notable work is titled "A Substance Called Understanding." In this piece, augmented reality transforms the room into a cascade of hearts accompanied by layered voices proclaiming "I love you." Leighton has created a total of 11 paintings that feature augmented reality elements, enhancing viewer engagement.