A Musical Planet Comes to Life in Carlow

In 2023, “A Musical Planet Looks Like…” brought an exciting fusion of art, music, and technology to Bagenalstown. This unique Augmented Reality (AR) Wall Mural project was facilitated by artist Paul Byrne in collaboration with Music Generation Carlow and the students of Coláiste Aindriu, offering participants a platform to creatively explore the question: What does a musical planet look, feel, and sound like?

Guided by Paul Byrne, participants visualised their interpretations of a musical planet, reflecting on how music shapes their lives and impacts the world around them. These creative expressions were translated into a large-scale wall mural. Meanwhile, Paul Brett and Gearoid O’Sullivan from Music Generation Carlow worked with the group to craft an accompanying soundscape that brought an auditory dimension to the project. This soundscape, rooted in the participants’ experiences, complemented the mural and deepened its thematic resonance. What made this project truly groundbreaking was its integration of Augmented Reality. Using AR technology, viewers could interact with the mural via their devices, revealing additional artwork created during the project and immersing themselves in the evocative soundscape. This multi-sensory experience connected the physical artwork with the digital realm, creating a dynamic and transformative engagement for viewers.

The project was a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. By combining the expertise of Paul Byrne and Music Generation Carlow, “A Musical Planet Looks Like…” became a vibrant, community-driven celebration of music, art, and technology, leaving an inspiring and enduring legacy in Bagenalstown.