AR/VR Installation at The Shepherd

Bluewater partnered with Library Street Collective to create an immersive AR/VR experience at The Shepherd, transforming how visitors engage with contemporary sculpture through emerging technology.

Set within The Shepherd’s expansive gallery space in Detroit, the installation invited guests to step beyond traditional viewing and experience Nick Cave’s Amalgam (Inflate), 2025 in a fully immersive, interactive way—blending physical space, digital art, and intuitive technology.

A Seamless Blend of Art, Space, and Technology

Rather than introducing screens or traditional AV elements that might distract from the gallery environment, the goal was to preserve the integrity of the space while enhancing the visitor experience.

As guests entered the main gallery, they were guided to an open central area where they could put on Meta VR goggles, scan a QR code positioned within the space, and watch as the sculpture materialized around them. From there, visitors could walk freely through the gallery, observing and interacting with the digital artwork at scale—creating a moment that felt both intimate and awe-inspiring.

Experience Design & Implementation

Bluewater supported the installation with a thoughtful, low-impact approach, ensuring the technology elevated the artwork without overshadowing it. Our scope included:

• AR/VR experience setup and integration

• Meta headset configuration and on-site support

• QR-based access designed for ease of use

• Spatial alignment to ensure the sculpture appeared naturally within the gallery environment

• On-site coordination to ensure minimal disruption to gallery operations

The result was an experience that felt intuitive, elegant, and accessible to visitors of all familiarity levels with AR/VR technology.

Thoughtful Collaboration Behind the Scenes

Throughout the installation process, Bluewater worked closely with the Library Street Collective team to ensure the experience was documented in a way that respected both the artwork and the gallery environment. Coordination with staff allowed the technology and interaction to be showcased naturally, reflecting how visitors move through and engage with the space.

This collaborative approach ensured the final visuals authentically captured the immersive nature of the installation while staying true to the artist’s vision and the integrity of the gallery.

An Immersive Moment That Resonated

The AR/VR installation at The Shepherd offered visitors a new way to experience sculpture—one that expanded perception, encouraged movement, and deepened engagement through technology.

By merging physical space with immersive digital storytelling, the project demonstrated how AR/VR can serve as a powerful tool in contemporary art environments—enhancing interpretation while preserving the emotional impact of the work.

This installation stands as an example of how thoughtful integration of technology can unlock new dimensions of experience, allowing art to be not just seen, but fully explored.