Working at the intersection of art, technology, and the expression of identity we find Studio Halia, which launched just last month. In their own words, the artist-led studio “tests concepts and products that empower a human-focused, tech-enabled future by providing a platform for visionary artists innovating with emerging technologies.” And what better way to represent this than by working with Ines Alpha, a pioneering 3D makeup artist whose practice has continuously merged the digital with the physical and has even landed her a job as the first Global Creative e-makeup artist at Prada.
To introduce Studio Halia to the world, they’ve developed a wearable accessory –a jewellery piece for the face– and an accompanying augmented reality experience. As Alpha explains, “In essence, this project allows users to not just decorate their face, but to truly extend their physical body and express their ever-evolving identity through a unique and personalized AR augmentation.” The piece, currently available in silver or gold (and coming up in matte black and metallic pink soon), connects “to a dynamic digital experience” through embedded NFC technology, which allows its wearer to customise their appearance while wearing it. “It’s a glimpse into the future of makeup, where the possibilities for personalisation are truly limitless,” Alpha concludes.
In addition to the jewellery piece, Studio Halia has published a digital report “exploring ideas surrounding the future of digital identity, collaboration interoperability, de-materialised luxury, and more,” titled Skin Deep: Perspectives on the Evolution of Digital Identity and featuring essays by artists like Alex Peters, Emilia Petrarca, Lynette Nylander, or Agus Panzoni, among others.
