Galaw at Gunita: Extended Reality Murals for Experiencing Filipino Art

2026-03-09

AI Summary

This work explores how digital technologies can enhance the accessibility, interactivity, and inclusivity of Philippine art without replacing or compromising traditional physical artworks. To this end, we propose and implement SoulWall—an extended reality (XR)-based interactive mural system that leverages embodied interaction and digital twin technologies to non-invasively augment physical art while respecting the artist’s original intent. Integrating XR, interactive mural layouts, and an interaction logging infrastructure, SoulWall establishes a model of “non-substitutive digital coexistence.” User studies demonstrate that the system significantly enriches viewers’ immersive and exploratory experiences with Philippine art, effectively fostering deeper public engagement within exhibition spaces.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Philosophy and Ethics of AI: Privacy & Security
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: The sharing economy

Abstract

Digital and interactive spaces are becoming increasingly prevalent as platforms for cultural engagement, offering new ways to make art more accessible, engaging, and inclusive. In the Philippine context, where visual art is deeply rooted in precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial histories, there is a growing need to explore how digital systems can support art appreciation without replacing or compromising traditional and physical artworks. Rather than treating digital experiences as substitutes, we argue for the value of creating interactive digital twins that allow audiences to explore, touch, and engage with artworks while preserving the integrity of the originals. In this paper, we present SoulWall, an extended reality (XR) interactive mural system designed to augment Filipino artworks through embodied interaction. SoulWall enables viewers to experience paintings and animations at scale, supporting exploratory and playful engagement while respecting artist intent. We describe the design and implementation of the system, including its mural layout, interaction techniques, and interaction logging infrastructure. We report findings from a user study focused on user experience complemented by analyses of interaction logs and spatial engagement patterns. Our results highlight the potential of XR murals as a cultural computing artifact for art appreciation and for showcasing Filipino artists in interactive public and exhibition spaces.

Problem

• Filipino art
• digital preservation
• cultural engagement
• extended reality
• art appreciation

Innovation

• Extended Reality (XR)
• Interactive Digital Twin
• Embodied Interaction
• Cultural Computing
• Mural Augmentation