Overview
As technology and art continue to collide in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways, a new smartphone app called Smartify is out to make sharing and discovering art a whole lot easier.
Working similarly to how Shazam identifies music, Smartify can be used to identify art — simply hold the app up in front of an artwork to discover its name, tap into a wealth of extra information about the piece and even access audio commentary. With this in your hand, there'll be no more battling the gallery crowds for a peek at that tiny wall plaque.
Users can also save favourite artworks to their Smartify profile, creating a mini art gallery within their smartphone.
The app was founded by a group of four UK friends who were keen to add another dimension to the art experience beyond simply looking at pictures on a gallery wall. To bring this to life while still protecting artist copyright, they've teamed up with museum and gallery partners around the world, who help generate and direct Smartify's content. The app's currently live at famed destinations like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, London's National Portrait Gallery and the Museo San Donato in Italy, with lots more to come. Venues are encouraged to get on board here — let's hope some local additions are just around the corner.