Benjamin Mitchley

Benjamin Mitchley is an internationally successful South African artist, born on January 1, 1967, in the Free State. He pursued fine arts from 1985 to 1987 at the Vaal University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology. As a dedicated full-time artist, Benjamin has built a multifaceted career as a fine artist, scenic artist, illustrator, 2D digital animator, and augmented reality artist. He provides consulting services and conducts workshops on 2D animation and augmented reality using the Artivive app. Additionally, he accepts commissions and collaborates with other artists to animate their works for the Artivive platform.

This is what Benjamin says about his recent work

“From a young age, I’ve been captivated by animation, but as a self-taught animator, I struggled to find a meaningful way to present my creations to the public. As a fine artist, I longed to bring my artworks to life, but simply displaying animations on TV screens felt disconnected from the experience I envisioned. In 2019, I discovered theArtivive app, which allowed me to merge traditional art with augmented reality, realizing my dream of animated, interactive artworks.

Augmented reality has profoundly influenced my creative process, transforming my figurative pieces into dynamic, immersive experiences. I’ve always envisioned my characters moving, speaking, and expressing emotions as if they were alive. With AR technology, I’ve been able to translate that vision into reality, adding depth and movement that enriches the viewer’s connection to my work.

My art explores versatile and often whimsical themes, characterized by a playful, light-hearted approach that invites viewers to bring their own interpretations. The fun and tongue-in-cheek elements in my creations are driven by my inner child, ensuring that each person has a unique experience. Through interactive AR elements, I aim to spark the imagination and engage audiences of all ages, encouraging them to spend more time with the artwork and explore it closely.

By animating the characters in my work, I hope they interact with the audience on a more personal level. As younger generations increasingly gravitate toward technology, I see augmented reality as a bridge between traditional and digital art, drawing them into the art world in a fresh and captivating way.”