Three large murals in Les, Val d'Aran, now come to life when viewed through a mobile phone or tablet screen. The village unveiled these interactive paintings this week as part of the Grafftech Fest, an itinerant festival that held its first Val d'Aran edition from Monday to Thursday. These artworks use augmented reality technology to make figures move and speak, focusing on various aspects of the municipality's history and traditions.
One mural is based on a historical photograph of a farrier in Les with a horse. In the coming days, this artisan will speak through mobile devices, explaining his craft. Festival organisers stated that user interaction with this painting will expand to include stories and activities for school visits.
A second painting commemorates Les's former customs house, highlighting its historical importance for this French border municipality in Baish Aran. The third depicts the Quilha der Haro, a deeply rooted celebration that is part of the Pyrenean fire festivals, recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Interactive Cultural Experience
QR codes on the murals provide mobile access to an interactive platform. Each painting on this platform will feature a character and unique content, including cultural information and interactive elements, according to the organisers, Suite of Art. The company's goal is to "highlight the identity, traditions, and cultural heritage of Les through an innovative and participatory experience," company sources said.
They added, "Through mobile phones, residents and visitors can discover animations, moving scenes, and digital content linked to each work, creating a unique and accessible cultural experience for all audiences." The local council noted that these new interactive murals join other initiatives that combine historical and cultural heritage with technology, such as the digital scavenger hunt that the municipality has updated with content in Aranese, Spanish, and Catalan.
Grafftech Fest's Wider Reach
The Grafftech festival has also visited municipalities in Lleida, including Vilaller, Sort, Os de Balaguer, and Rialp, as well as other locations across Catalonia. In each place, the murals reflect characteristic features of the locality, forming a network where the different venues of this event help promote each other. This initiative aims to connect local heritage with modern technology, offering new ways to engage with history.
