Snapchat’s AR collaboration with Jeff Koons revealed by simple hack

Snapchat has, apparently mistakenly, revealed a collaboration with Jeff Koons via a dedicated website, art.snapchat.com. The social media platform launched the site simply showing a photo of Central Park in New York, overlaid with a countdown clock. It wasn’t long before users discovered a loophole, by changing the time on their computers to trick the site into revealing its secrets – an augmented reality project with the renowned pop artist – earlier than scheduled. It could also be a publicity stunt, that appears to have worked.

Images shared by the hackers before the loophole was closed show Koons’ well-known sculpture works, such as numerous stainless steel balloon animals and Popeye, popping up in international tourist hotspots, including Trafalgar Square, the steps of Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower lawn and the fountains outside the Bellagio hotel, Las Vegas.

The artist is clearly a fan of employing new tech in his work, also contributing to Brilliant Minds’ VR arts project Acute Art, alongside Marina Abramovic and Olafur Eliasson.

Snapchat’s AR project will be officially revealed at 8pm UK time on Tuesday 3 October 2017.