Kildare artist helps redefine London art world with technology 

A CLANE artist and her company ‘GlassEye’ is helping to redefine contemporary art in London by using technology to allow visitors enjoy an 360-degree journey into the evocative art of Alex and Allyson Grey.

Janet Beck is the founder and CEO, and she uses immersive technology to bring traditional paintings to life in London.

Glasseye’s innovative use of new-age animation and extended reality (XR) techniques is at the forefront of this collaboration, and the experience features “mesmerising installations, dynamic animations, and serene meditation spaces designed to engage the senses and evoke deep contemplation”.

Janet describes her team’s involvement in transforming these multi-layered paintings into an immersive narrative.

“Collaborating closely with Alex and Allyson, we crafted a 12-minute visual journey that intertwines their work, taking viewers through 'The Progress of the Soul',” she explained.

“Our goal was to connect audiences with the artwork, transporting them into another dimension through the movement of visuals, the sound of audio, and the reflections of mirrors.” Raised in Clane, Janet Beck’s passion for art was evident from a young age. After studying fine art at the National College of Art and Design and Ulster University, she honed her craft in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

Her early career blended artistic exploration with entrepreneurial drive, leading to the establishment of Glasseye, and today, Janet leads a team of 12 people based in Thomastown, Dublin, Belfast, and Spain, and her firm has received significant support from the Local Enterprise Office.

“I remember creating a CD-ROM for the then Kilkenny Enterprise Board, and they were my first clients,” said Janet.

“This latest project with Alex and Allyson Grey came about because of the success of the immersive experience ‘The Summer Palace‘ we developed for Outernet in London.

“We used digital technology and AI, as well as traditional software to create a montage of movement.

“We told a story from the paintings of Alex and Allyson Grey and it was a massive privilege and honour to be able to do this.” The experience represents the fusion of traditional art and cutting-edge technology, and by integrating the Greys' iconic style with new-age techniques, Glasseye has created this experience.