Could Snapchat have a solution to the Elgin Marbles row?

Rishi Sunak is famous for his love for technology. Is it possible that technology can provide a solution to his tricky diplomatic dispute with Greece about the Elgin Marbles?

Snap's experts in augmented reality (AR) believe that it is possible.

The developers of the application that is widely recognized for its comical filters have expanded their venture into the realm of culture and art. They are introducing fresh and innovative techniques for guests to appreciate the past at some of the most renowned museums and art galleries across the globe.

Snapchat's augmented reality technology has been utilized to transform displays at the renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the fashionable Art Basel fair in Miami, the Design Museum in London, and most recently the famous Louvre in Paris.

The division of Egyptian remnants at the museum presently showcases 3D recreations of ancient masterpieces and other historical structures. You can catch sight of these findings on your phone by scanning QR codes or opening the Snapchat camera.

If the Louvre considers it suitable, can the British Museum also view it as appropriate and enable the Elgin Marbles to be repatriated to Greece?

Discover further: What do the Elgin Marbles refer to and how come they ended up being displayed at the British Museum?

It is recommended to utilize the Chrome web browser in order to have a video player that is easier to access.

The past at your fingertips

Donatien Bozon, who leads the AR studio for Snap in Paris, made a lighthearted comment stating that talks have begun.

Last year, he assembled a team of 14 people with the aim of introducing AR to the fields of art, culture, and education. This was done to demonstrate that Snapchat's technology has capabilities beyond the popular feature of putting virtual dog ears on your friends.

According to him, cultural establishments demonstrated enthusiasm for reaching out to the app's large audience of 750 million users and introducing fresh experiences to their frequent visitors, all of which could be accomplished without requiring additional physical room.

He stated that they believed they could use both the front and back cameras of the phone, not only for taking selfies on Snapchat, but for other purposes as well.

"He says you can enhance the world by opening up a lot of possibilities."

In addition, there is a digital copy of the Luxor Obelisks made of granite weighing 222 tonnes on display at the Louvre museum. Originally designed for Egypt's Luxor Temple under the reign of Ramesses II, one of them was later relocated to the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

At first, the Louvre had planned to place the artwork in their courtyard. However, the museum collaborated with Snap to alter history by defying the laws of physics and virtually installing it.

Direct your mobile device's camera towards the area where it may have been positioned, and it will materialize on your screen.

When customary practices coincide with the latest advancements in technology.

AR would never be able to completely substitute for the actual experience.

According to Bozon, the name itself implies that it enhances the experience rather than replacing it.

It seems that there may not be a satisfactory resolution to the conflict surrounding the Elgin Marbles.

The British Museum has experimented with AR technology. The main goal is to engage young visitors. They can participate in interactive tours of the Roman Empire and Parthenon, utilizing Samsung tablets.

The British Library has utilized technology for its own exhibits. Some of the oldest institutions in the world, which take pride in their traditions, are trying to adapt to modern times.

According to Qi Pan, who is the director of computer vision at Snap, augmented reality (AR) enables them to accomplish tasks that were once impossible.

The group in London is in charge of ensuring the technology of the company is functioning properly, whether it's on mobile devices or in a potential world where advanced glasses are commonly worn.

He mentions that much of the augmented reality available today can be accessed through mobile devices. However, the viewing experience is confined within a narrow rectangular frame, thus limiting our perspective.

With the use of AR glasses, you will be able to witness it firsthand within your immediate surroundings.

Although Google and Snap have previously tried to create these types of lenses and failed to make them popular, Pan is optimistic that AR is about to go through a big change in hardware.

The mixed reality headset from Apple that is set to come out soon could support his belief, but it probably won't be affordable at £2,800.

At present, AR art is attractive because it is easily accessible, not only for users who only require a mobile phone to enjoy it, but also for the artists who produce it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doddz, a British artist, taught himself how to make AR art at home. This self-taught skill helped him move from struggling in school to earning a salary of over six figures.

Those who stick to traditional methods may object, but his achievement serves as evidence of a new approach to art that can be seen anywhere and carried along as well.

According to Bozon, a decade ago, being a YouTuber wasn't a realistic career option to consider betting on.

In the next decade, constructing in augmented reality will become a legitimate profession for numerous individuals.

Hopefully, the conflict regarding marbles will have come to an end by that point as well.