A KISS TO THE FUTURE
by Yacine AIT KACI and WeCare Impact
Yacine AIT KACI is a pioneer of digital arts for over 25 years. He looks at the advent of a new digital era, the hybridization of reality and imagination, and the emergence of new post-industrial territories. Inventor of the 3D video mapping (Electronic Shadow, 2003), he is also known for creating ELYX, the first and only digital ambassador of the United Nations.
These two characters, mouth to mouth, offer the first known love kiss in the history of humanity more than 4500 years ago. There were probably other real kisses before this one, but the artist encapsulated this moment to transmit it through the ages. This is the starting point of countless kisses and proofs of love in the history of art and civilizations that comes to us from Mesopotamia.
Through this tribute, the original kiss is digitally encapsulated to be shared in augmented reality and to spread its eternal and immaterial love through time and space. This kiss for the future is a message of love to love, coming from the depths of the ages and transmitted to new digital territories.
Lan Capital: Bridging Art, Culture, and Innovation
Lan Capital sought to create a multifaceted project that celebrated fashion, art, and cultural heritage while leveraging innovative technology to deepen engagement. The centerpiece of this initiative was a magazine showcasing the artistic talents of Lan and the Lan family, paired with an augmented reality (AR) experience.
Together, these elements provided a dual platform for cultural storytelling, connecting modern creativity with historical inspiration. The theme drew from ancient Mesopotamian civilization, exploring its symbolism and groundbreaking contributions to human history.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The project’s dual focus required balancing traditional publishing aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The magazine had to be a visually compelling and thematically coherent piece, while the AR experience needed to provide an immersive, interactive extension of the magazine’s themes. Both elements had to complement each other, offering standalone value while enhancing the broader cultural narrative.
Crafting the Vision: Designing a Magazine and AR Experience
We collaborated closely with the Lan Capital team to ensure the magazine and AR piece worked in harmony to reflect their vision. Our process included a deep dive into the brand’s goals, cultural inspirations, and aesthetic preferences to deliver a cohesive yet innovative outcome.
Magazine Design:
• Cover Design:
Two distinct covers were created. The primary cover featured the golden Lan To Capital logo alongside Lan’s latest fashion collection, symbolizing cultural fusion. The alternate cover offered a complementary design, ensuring diversity while adhering to the magazine’s Mesopotamian theme.
• Magazine Spread:
The 72-page magazine was meticulously crafted, from editorial introductions to detailed interviews and artistic content. The design emphasized seamless flow and striking visuals, particularly in sections showcasing Lan’s family and artistic contributions.
• AR Integration:
The AR experience was conceptualized as a standalone piece that extended the magazine’s themes into an interactive medium. By blending cultural motifs with immersive technology, we designed an AR journey that allowed users to engage deeply with Mesopotamian history and symbolism, creating a unique, dynamic experience.
A Harmonious Fusion of Art and Technology
The project successfully merged traditional storytelling with modern innovation, creating a resonant and engaging cultural showcase.
• Enhanced Engagement:
The dual covers drew diverse audiences, offering visually appealing entry points that highlighted Lan’s artistic identity and cultural narrative.
• Cultural Depth:
The magazine was lauded for its cohesive storytelling, artful design, and rich content, creating a visually and intellectually engaging reader experience.
• Immersive AR Experience:
The AR component stood out as a dynamic, standalone feature, deepening audience connection to the cultural themes through interactivity and innovation.
Connecting Past and Present Through Creativity
Lan Capital’s magazine and AR initiative demonstrate how design and technology can unite to celebrate cultural heritage. By thoughtfully integrating visually compelling content with an innovative AR experience, we created a project that connected past and present, tradition and technology, art and interaction.
