QR-Codes-On

Using QR codes in art

Share your portfolio and digital business card, promote upcoming exhibitions, provide guides for your displays, share behind-the-scenes videos, and much more with just one scan. Adding QR codes to your artwork or exhibition can make every visitor’s experience more interactive and engaging.

QR codes on art
QR codes on art
QR codes on art
QR codes on art
QR codes on art
QR codes on art

Benefits of incorporating QR codes in art

QR codes go far beyond advertising as they bridge the gap between the tangible and the digital, inviting viewers to experience art in new and unexpected ways. Artists are using them as modern storytelling tools that extend their work beyond the canvas or installation. French street artist Invader, for instance, has embedded QR codes within his mosaics and his “Rubikcubism” series, allowing viewers to scan and uncover behind-the-scenes videos and creative insights. Similarly, Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, known for blending traditional techniques with pop-culture aesthetics, has experimented with QR-inspired designs in collaborations such as his project with Louis Vuitton. These examples show how QR codes can transform static art into living, interactive experiences that connect audiences more deeply with the artist’s vision.

Creating a more inclusive art world +

QR codes offer artists a new way to create work and make virtual spaces more accessible to the public.

Spanish artist Daniel Canogar uses recycled LED screens in his “Pulse” series to create installations with moving images in public spaces such as plazas and building facades. Some public media installations include interactive elements or signage that link viewers to related online content, and artists sometimes use QR codes to deliver that extra material. This approach adds interactivity and blends digital art with the physical space, allowing audiences to explore deeper layers of meaning or the creative process. Imagine adding a video or MP3 QR code to your artwork to give visitors an even richer, more interactive experience.

Amplify your art +

During the COVID-19 pandemic many museums expanded their digital offerings and used QR codes to enhance exhibitions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, for example, promoted the Bloomberg Connects app and offered digital guides and virtual experiences that visitors could access via QR codes. Visitors could scan codes to open multimedia content, audio guides, or virtual tours while viewing the artworks, which helped audiences learn more about an object’s history, style, and details as they explored the museum.

QR codes can do more than provide information; they can offer different viewpoints on a topic. For example, you can share a playlist through a video QR code or use an MP3 QR code to add music or soundscapes that enhance the experience, presenting your art in a richer, multimedia way.

Integrate into your design +

Our dynamic QR code generator allows artists and designers to integrate QR codes seamlessly into their artwork without disrupting its visual balance. You can customize the colors to match your art’s palette, choose creative frames and borders, and even include your logo or signature image. Most importantly, you can add a clear call to action that tells viewers what to expect when they scan it. QR codes can also be resized and saved in different file formats, making them easy to adapt to any medium, whether it is a painting, sculpture, digital print, or installation.

Measure to plan +

How can you know if people are engaging with your art? One challenge with physical art or printed works is that it can be hard to track how viewers interact with them. QR codes solve this problem. By using a dynamic QR code, you can track data in real time, including the number of scans, how long people spend with the linked content, and the devices and operating systems they use. This lets you see how well your QR code is performing and make adjustments in future campaigns to reach more people.

How to add a QR code for artworks?

1

Sign up to access the QR code generator and choose the type of QR code to add to your artwork. We recommend starting with the dynamic URL QR code.

2

Simply enter your website link, and your QR code will be generated automatically.

3

Personalize your QR code design by adding a frame and a "Scan Me" label.

4

Select the colors for your QR code to match your brand or personal style.

5

Click “Download” to save your QR code as a JPEG file.

6

Add the QR code design into your artwork.

Top ways to incorporate QR codes for artworks

When designing and adding a QR code to your artwork, consider these key tips to make it blend seamlessly with your visual style, function smoothly across devices, and offer viewers the best interactive experience.

1
Customize your design

With Divsly, you can customize your QR code to match your brand’s style and help boost brand awareness. After creating your code, you can choose from a range of frames, ready-made CTA messages, and colours to catch people’s attention. You can also add your own icon or logo, change the shape, and include custom text for a more personal touch.

2
Use the right size

When making your QR code, remember the minimum recommended size is 2 x 2 centimeters, whether it's digital or printed. It's best not to go smaller, but you can make it bigger to keep it easy to scan. To make sure everyone can use it, test the QR code with different smartphone models and apps.

3
Add a call to action

Many people forget an important detail when using QR codes: adding a short message to explain what the user will get by scanning it. When you create your QR code with Divsly, make sure to include a small note or incentive so people know what to expect and are more likely to scan it, which helps make your campaign more effective.

Explore QR codes in action for art

If you’re not sure how to use our QR codes to enhance your work, here are some examples to inspire you and spark your creativity.

Income icon
Increase your income

If you display your art in public, you can boost your income by adding a QR code that links to a page with your bank details. This lets people who appreciate your art donate easily to help cover material costs. A QR code makes it simple for anyone with a smartphone to contribute instantly.

Charity icon
Connect viewers with a charity campaign

Spanish artist Eugenio Ampudia’s “Please Scan Me” project featured trees suspended from the ceiling, each with its own QR code. By scanning a tree’s QR code, viewers could donate directly to environmental conservation or social projects related to nature. This interactive artwork not only captured attention visually but also allowed viewers to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Promote work icon
Promote your work

Imagine how QR codes can boost your art. Social media has become a powerful tool for artists. By adding link listing QR codes to your exhibitions, you can promote and grow your social media presence. Want to attract more people to your next gallery exhibition? Place a sample of your work in a public space with an event QR code. This lets visitors save the event details and add the event to their calendars. Use a dynamic URL QR code to connect each artwork to your online store. Visitors can scan the code, learn the price, and even request a print or the original.

Art information icon
More information about your art

A PDF QR code lets visitors easily access more information about a piece of art, such as its history and creation process. You can upload one or more PDFs to enhance the viewer experience in a gallery or museum. This technology makes it simple to provide extra details that deepen appreciation of the artwork and its context.

Communities icon
Connect communities through augmented reality

Many visual artists aim to create interactive experiences through their work. If you have an augmented reality app that lets viewers see your art in a new way using their phone's camera, you can add an app QR code. This lets people easily download the app and enjoy your art on another level. The code can link directly to app stores such as Google Play, the Amazon Appstore, and the Apple App Store.

Frequently asked questions

With the many types of QR codes Divsly offers, you can share all kinds of art-related information. This includes links to websites with details about the artwork, artist bios, contact info for galleries or artists, videos showing how the art was made, event details, prices, and availability. You can also create QR codes that link to image galleries, letting users explore full collections of related works.

QR codes are a great way to help sell artwork by giving buyers quick access to important information. When someone scans a QR code next to a piece, they can instantly see details like its history, size, price, and how to buy it. This makes the buying process easier and more convenient, which can lead to more sales and happier customers.

Yes, it’s possible to do, though it might take some practice. The key is to make sure the QR code design is clear and easy to read. Use colors with enough contrast so it scans properly. Also, make sure the information it links to is correct and well organized. With some care and the right tools, you can even create a working QR code by hand!

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