SugAR Vines

Activate the light installation and watch organic forms and sugAR vines come alive through your mobile device. March 2025

SugAR Vines – Ai NFT – Activated

Some of my AI NFT work has been stored on MakersPlace for preservation, including SugAR Vines. I wanted to repurpose its creativity, adding a new layer and bringing it back to life through a light box and AR activation.

By night, the light box animates the vines. By day, viewers can experience the audio-reactive AR, where organic sound and animation bring the images to life. I was fortunate to travel and see the work in person, testing the AR features firsthand.

As with any technology, digital language isn’t always universal. Not all devices allow full access, instructions aren’t always obvious, and experiences can vary depending on hardware.

Reflecting on my experience with the organization of this initiative, it became clear that, while there is a focus on supporting Pasifika artists on paper, the reality of engagement often falls short. Digital activation were presented as markers of “innovation,” but there was minimal consideration for creating a safe, respectful space for my practice or voice. This approach reduces meaningful engagement to a checklist exercise rather than fostering genuine collaboration, trust, or cultural understanding.