AR Murals: Mythic Futures AcrossWashington, DC
In collaboration with artist Antoine Williams and The Nicholson Project, Capitol Interactive created four AR-activated Afrofuturist murals across Washington, DC — using Instagram-based augmented reality to bring mythical deities to life without requiring users to download a new app.
Industry: Public Art & Community
interactive Afrofuturist murals activated with AR across Washington, DC
Amplifying Afrofuturist Art Through AR
In collaboration with renowned artist Antoine Williams and arts organization The Nicholson Project, Capitol Interactive embarked on a project to amplify Afrofuturist art through augmented reality. Four distinctive murals were strategically positioned in public spaces across Washington, DC — each featuring a unique Mythic Being, a mythical deity conceptualized by Williams reflecting the multifaceted dimensions of contemporary Black life.
Our Approach
Capitol Interactive leveraged Instagram-based AR technology to bring Antoine Williams' Afrofuturist vision to life, eliminating the need for users to download any new apps. The team integrated AR elements into each mural to add layers of meaning, interactivity, and narrative depth.
Instagram-Based AR Technology
By building the AR experiences on Instagram's platform, we eliminated the friction of app downloads — anyone with Instagram could point their phone at a mural and watch it come to life instantly.
Mythic Being Narratives
Each mural featured a unique Mythic Being conceptualized by Antoine Williams. The AR layers added dynamic visual elements, animations, and narrative depth that evolved the artwork beyond its physical form.
Public Space Activation
The four murals were strategically placed in public spaces across Washington, DC, serving as platforms for radical Black imagination and expression — challenging established norms and inviting community engagement.
The Results
Four AR-activated Afrofuturist murals installed across public spaces in Washington, DC.
Instagram-based delivery removed the barrier of app downloads, enabling immediate audience engagement.
The project created an accessible platform for radical Black imagination, reaching a broad and diverse audience.
Art That Transcends the Physical
By integrating augmented reality into public murals, Capitol Interactive and The Nicholson Project demonstrated that AR can serve as a powerful medium for community storytelling — transforming static artwork into dynamic, evolving narratives accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
