Julie Stephen Chheng's augmented reality art installation, 'Uramado,' is currently showcased at Alliance Française in Chandigarh and will be open for public viewing until February 28, 2025.

The exhibition, which emphasizes reconnecting with nature and exploring the relationship between humans and spirits, encourages participants to see themselves as part of the natural world.

The installation merges art, psychology, and gamification, making it appealing to both children and adults.

At the end of the journey, users receive a personalized result revealing their custom spirit animal and its symbolism, such as a connection to day or night.

Visitors can use their phones to scan and reveal digital creatures like a glowing cat or a curious fox, each asking reflective questions.

Originally conceived as an AR sticker book, 'Uramado' evolved into an exhibition due to its effectiveness in engaging audiences.

The Uramado AR app allows users to collect digital spirit animals, which symbolize different personality traits and emotions.

Chheng finds augmented reality particularly exciting as it combines illustration, animation, and interactivity, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Through the exhibition, she aims to connect different cultural interpretations of nature spirits, highlighting the unique role of Tanukis in Japanese folklore.

Chheng first encountered Tanukis during her 2016 residency at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto, Japan, where she was inspired by their magical folklore and cultural significance.

Interactivity is a key component of Chheng's work, allowing each visitor's experience to vary based on their choices in the exhibit.

The installation creates an interactive treasure hunt experience, with artworks and fantastical animals coming to life through AR technology.