In Vienna, where the celebrated “Wiener Grant” grumpiness is almost a cultural hallmark, I worked on a project that sought to challenge this reputation by injecting joy into some of the city’s most iconic artworks. Using the Artivive app, AI video generation, and meticulous video editing, we reimagined classic paintings from Schiele, Klimt, and other masters by bringing smiles to their often stern faces. This lighthearted transformation was designed to celebrate World Smile Day and encourage viewers to see art—and their city—through a fresh, playful lens.

My Role and Contribution

I played a central role in bringing this innovative project to life. First, we selected iconic artworks that best represented Vienna’s cultural heritage and the grumpy expressions so closely tied to its identity. I then used AI video generation tools to carefully animate exaggerated smiles but ensuring that the style and integrity of the original artworks were respected. Through precise video editing, I synchronized these animations with the Artivive app, creating a seamless augmented reality experience that brought digital magic to life for museum-goers and app users around the world.