App that brings paintings alive

Visitors to an art exhibition are being encouraged to get their phones out — so they can bring the paintings alive with a new app.

The technology, which can be used on tablets as well, transforms the 2D works of art into 3D images.

On one piece creatures come to life and walk across the canvas, while a skull appears in front of another painting.

The show, at the Ben Uri gallery in St John’s Wood, is called Yalta 1945. It features the works of two former Soviet dissident painters who were persecuted for their work during the communist era.

The app, produced by a team which also works with the British Museum, explains some of the history behind the works.

The project is launched next week and runs until March 19.