The role of augmented reality technology in painting art and its use as an exhibition method

Throughout history, art has evolved into different forms under the influence of technological developments, offering new expressive opportunities for artists. Especially in today's rapidly advancing digital age, Augmented Reality (AR) technology has enabled the emergence of new forms of artistic expression. By merging the physical and virtual worlds, AR offers viewers a more dynamic and interactive experience that differs from traditional forms of art engagement. This study first explores the fundamental structure, development, and areas of application of AR technology to reveal how it integrates with art. It emphasizes that AR is not merely a visual innovation but a medium that makes art more layered, interactive, and experiential. Within this scope, artists who utilize AR in their works are examined, and the ways they integrate this new technology into their creations are analyzed. Special attention is given to the use of AR applications in museums to demonstrate how they have changed exhibition practices and reshaped the viewer's engagement with artworks. Augmented Reality (AR) technology has introduced new expressive possibilities for both artists and viewers. While artists combine physical and digital elements to produce more innovative and interactive works, viewers are able to establish deeper and more personal connections with the artwork. For instance, Alex Mayhew's Reblink project and Scarlett Raven's The Danger Tree reinterpret classical artworks through AR to create multi-layered experiences. Artists such as Keiichi Matsuda and Hito Steyerl use AR as a tool for social critique and commentary on technological transformation. Projects like Priya's Shakti, developed in India to raise social awareness, further demonstrate AR's potential. Likewise, Turkish artists such as Sema Tecen and Ahmet Rüstem Ekici produce works using this technology to reflect the spirit of the digital age. All these examples demonstrate how AR expands the boundaries of art, transforms the relationship between the viewer and the artwork, and redefines painting as a contemporary form of expression. As part of the thesis, an original AR application project was developed by the researcher to examine the impact of AR on art in a more comprehensive manner. This project aims to enhance the viewer's engagement with artworks by enriching them with animated layers. Traditional artworks are supported with digital content through AR, thus creating an immersive environment in which the viewer transitions from being a passive observer to an active participant. It was concluded that AR technology transforms artworks from mere display objects into living, evolving entities shaped through audience interaction. This study investigates the transformation brought about by Augmented Reality in the field of art and evaluates the new opportunities it offers for artists, museums, and viewers. The animated layers provided by AR have made art more inclusive and interactive. Consequently, the viewer is no longer a mere observer but becomes an active part of the experience. In addition, the potential future impacts of digitalization on art are discussed, with a particular focus on how AR can contribute to the ongoing transformation of artistic practices.