Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality Makes Its U.S. Debut at SXSW

Last fall at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, portraits by renowned British contemporary painter Jonathan Yeo did something portraits usually don’t: they moved.

Following its acclaimed world premiere, Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality makes its U.S. debut at SXSW from March 15th-17th, 2026.

By blending Yeo’s distinctive portraiture style with Snap’s cutting-edge technology, the exhibit transforms a selection of his royal, celebrity, and self-portraits into living, responsive installations that invite guests to see beyond the frame.

Guests experience this groundbreaking exhibit through Spectacles, Snap’s fifth-generation smart glasses designed to enhance how people naturally interact with the world. By adding new digital experiences to the real world through Spectacles, the artwork evolves in real time and responds to each visitor, shifting the act of passive contemplation into active participation. The journey culminates in a personal surprise: before leaving, each guest departs with a unique creation, a lasting extension of their encounter with Yeo’s universe.

Born from Snap AR Studio’s Artist Residency Program, Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality reflects Snap’s vision to make computing more human and create new ways to learn, work, and play that are grounded in the real world. Ahead of the public launch of new Specs intelligent eyewear later this year, the exhibit offers an early look at how artists can tap into new technologies to layer digital storytelling onto the physical world. 

Jonathan Yeo will also join Ben Wymer, Senior Director of Global Brand Experience at Snap Inc., at SXSW on Friday, March 13, for a special panel titled “Portraits Beyond the Frame: Jonathan Yeo & Spectacles.” In this panel, the pair will explore the future of wearable technology in museums and the growing intersection of technology and art. 

SXSW | XR Experience Spotlight 

March 15 - 17, 2026 | 11:00am - 6:00pm 

Fairmont Austin | 101 Red River Street

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