Barcodes are a versatile product. From their inception, they have had a function of making things simpler. Whether their original use of making checkouts in supermarkets easier, faster, and more convenient to their uses in the modern era by assisting with stock take or even postal services, they are a marvel. Visit our website to read all about this https://www.entrepreneurinfo.co.za/
The barcodes we use today have changed drastically from when they were first introduced to the world. From their colour to their shape and even thanks to modern technology, their uses have changed even more. Their appearance makes the biggest difference when it comes to the use of it. Most commonly, the appearance of barcodes we are all familiar with is the one with black lines and white spaces in-between with a sequence of numbers beneath it, referred to as linear barcodes. There are significant changes to the usual barcodes as previously they were one-dimensional but since technology has evolved two-dimensional barcodes have taken over in this digital era and there are quite a few different formats of them being used today.
Most common in this section of two-dimensional barcodes are the QR barcodes. These are square in shape and are used by places that promote websites or products. QR codes can hold a lot of information and usually act as a bridge between you needing information about something and you get it as fast as possible. This is why the abbreviation stands for Quick Response code, as it is a means to get you to the desired place as fast as possible. This is in general response to the instant and fast-paced world we live in. Most people are used to instant gratification and the availability of this through everyday applications and websites.
Most media and marketing are now centred around leading people to a place where they can spend their money and having QR barcodes to transport them there is an investment most companies not only make but insist on. We have seen them being used on business cards as well, where potential clients can scan the code using their smartphone and will be redirected to the companies website, this concept is very modern and is only beginning to show an appearance now.
Art is, for the most part, subjective. People have opinions on it and usually, they either love it or hate it. A lot of modern pieces of art have a deep personal meaning and is often combined with things that are out of the ordinary. In a similar vein, barcodes have not only been used for purchasing of products, but it has brought about QR barcodes which are actually a popular feature in museums and art galleries all across the world.
QR codes are small and do not need to store a lot of information like their bigger and larger barcode counterparts. The information typically stored on one is a website address or rather link to a specific webpage.
In museums, the stand in front of an exhibit will have information about it, but also have a code that can be scanned for a more in-depth and drawn out explanation with amazing facts and interesting information the tour guides do not have time to give. This is especially helpful for students having a group tour with their school as time constraints usually don’t allow enough time for questions to be asked let alone answered, as well and giving enough time and space for everyone to view the exhibit properly.
By having these codes available and taking into account the access young children have to cell phones that can scan these codes. It is easy for them to scan the code and save the website they have been linked to for a later time. This will aid in giving them all the information they need and more as well as not wasting time during the tour as it can be difficult to keep a tight schedule with a group of children.
This same sentiment can apply to art galleries, but it can be used in various ways. When it comes to art, there are often multiple QR barcodes next to or near to a specific piece. This is because it will depend on the art being shown as well as the artists. Some artists have a paperless approach to communication, such as having a table with a code on it instead of flyers or business cards and the code will link you to their website. If the art exhibit is based on bidding instead of buying a piece, the link will take you to the auction website and you will be able to place a bid.
Some artists have actually taken QR barcodes or retail of some of their favourite products and incorporated them into their artworks. Some paint them onto their canvas others work them into their furniture designs. Quite a lot of graffiti artists use barcodes as inspiration for their works on walls and others use them for deeper messages. A barcode that was intermixed with people as the lines were used as an anti-human trafficking advertisement on a billboard. This was created by an artist who drew inspiration from the image and heard stories of people being bought and sold as items and opposed to human beings. While shopping he saw the barcodes on each product and the idea was born. Pinterest also has some great pictures of art that have incorporated barcodes, have a look at this link Pinterest Art
Having such creative uses for barcodes has made the world a beautiful place to live in. Many people can draw on its versatility or functionality for their business needs, but others choose to play with it on a more literal level and create art inspired by humble barcodes in its various forms. These can be viewed on various platforms and even in art galleries worldwide.
Source: Bringing paintings to life
