The Reed’s Cows

Augmented reality exhibition: The Reed’s Cows

Concept statement

The Reeds Cows exhibition located at the Upper Heide Gardens will offer a unique experience for visitors. As you stroll or ride through the gardens, visitors will be guided by pathways and archways creating a scenic journey. Along the way, one can interact with augmented reality trigger points to virtually collect parts from Jeff Thomson’s corrugated iron cow sculptures, adding a fun and modern twist to the exhibition. Moreover, information cards will be located at each post and will provide insights into Heide’s history and gardens, adding depth to the visit. The exhibit will explore the themes of sustainability and farm life, referencing to how the Reed’s tied nature and art together. Overall creating a blend of art, technology, and heritage that promises an unforgettable experience.

Concept design and visualisation

Wayfinding / AR points

Mockup of the red wayfinding posts that will be located throughout the exhibit and will act as a guide in addition to being the augmented reality trigger point.

Each post will have natural flora to the area planted at the top and have information written about the different plants in the Heide gardens on plaque cards at the front.

Rationale for the technology chosen

An app is the ideal choice to highlight the augmented reality aspect of The Reed’s Cows exhibit as it offers a highly interactive and user-friendly experience. By using the app, visitors can easily engage with the artworks by triggering them to appear when they are in close proximity to the red wayfinding posts. Once within a 1.5-meter distance of the posts, visitors can tap on the highlighted section of the sculpture to virtually “collect” pieces which will then be stored on the app. This hands-on approach allows visitors to interact with the art in a unique and immersive way, enhancing their overall experience at the exhibit. At the conclusion of the exhibit, visitors can admire the pieces they’ve collected and piece them together to craft their own corrugated iron cow sculpture, resembling the iconic Jeff Thomson ones.

The app will be tailored to Heide’s branding and allow for a better flow of the exhibit with all augmented reality aspects downloaded and ready to go when entering and exiting within the 1.5-meter distance of the red wayfinding posts.

Historical research

The Heide Museum of Modern Art’s gardens hold a rich history intertwined with art and nature. Once a neglected dairy farm, the property was transformed by John and Sunday Reed into a vibrant oasis. Their dedication to nurturing artists like Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, and Sidney Nolan shaped Heide into a creative sanctuary. From barren pastures, they cultivated a botanical wonderland, featuring hedges, rose gardens, and orchards. The iconic Jeff Thomson’s Cows, a playful nod to the site’s farming roots, add a whimsical charm to the lush parkland. The Reeds’ legacy lives on in the beautifully landscaped Heide Gardens, a testament to their vision and passion for art and nature. John and Sunday Reed purchased Heide in 1934 and over the years, they meticulously developed the gardens, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature that still enchants visitors today.

The evolution of Heide’s grounds from cow paddocks to a flourishing botanical haven is a testament to John and Sunday Reed’s unwavering dedication to art and nature. Their vision in creating a park-like setting, adorned with pines, red gums, wattles, and willows, named after Heidelberg, showcases their commitment to gardening and horticulture. Through collaborative efforts with friends and visitors, they meticulously curated a landscape featuring ornamental plants, exotic trees, rose gardens, a violet tunnel, and utilitarian garden beds. All of which supports in showing the Reeds’ passion for blending art with naturel at Heide.