Q-ART, How QR Code Language Can Be Used in Modern Art
Edited by Spencer Pines
Updated September 5, 2026·5 min read
The world of art is always changing. In the past, realism and accuracy were valued above all else, and oil paintings and marble statues were pretty much the gold standard. But in the 1800s through the 1900s, more focus was put on abstract pieces that conveyed themes and emotions rather than one to one realism, and new forms of expression were made available through movies or video games.
We now live in an era where all parts of the past are embraced, both the realistic and the abstract, and new ideas and technologies are constantly evolving with art. More recently, performance art pieces and interactive experiences have gained the attention of the art world.
One such way contemporary artists have been using new technologies is through creative use of QR codes. In this piece I will be going over just that, how artists can use QR codes to enhance their work. I’ll also be going over a few current artists who have already been experimenting with QR code art.
So let’s begin!
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What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or tablet. Scanning these little square codes allows you to access a variety of online and digital content, like restaurant menus, social media pages, websites, and more.
These codes are easy to make through a service like QR Code Developer, and can be visually customized to fit your needs, making them especially useful to artists who want to incorporate interactive elements into their pieces.
How can QR codes be used in modern art?
A recent shift in the world of arts and entertainment is more focus being placed on interactive experiences. Audiences now don’t want to just look at a piece of art as a passive observer, they want to be a part of it.
QR codes can be a quick and easy way to turn any work of art into an interactive one. The only true limit is your own imagination, and artists from all over have found clever ways to incorporate QR codes into their work.
You could hide a QR code in a painting that takes the scanner to a song or playlist that accompanies the piece. Sections of a QR code can be assembled through a puzzle solving experience that gives your audience a bit of story. A unique game can be created and linked to a piece. A good artist can make QR codes work in all sorts of ways.
Of course, you can also use QR codes in more traditional ways, like to link to your portfolio or similar works. For more on that, check out our piece on how artists can use QR codes.
Examples of QR codes in modern art
Trevor Jones
Painter Trevor Jones has made a name for himself with his adoption of new technologies into his works, including pieces integrating NFC, AR, and of course, QR codes. His collection of QR code paintings began in 2011 as an experiment to see if he could create a functional QR code with a paint and brush.
Painter Trevor Jones has made a name for himself with his adoption of new technologies into his works, including pieces integrating NFC, AR, and of course, QR codes. His collection of QR code paintings began in 2011 as an experiment to see if he could create a functional QR code with a paint and brush.
This worked exceptionally well for Jones, with many of the QR codes redirecting to the official website for the group exhibition the pieces were part of.
Ghada Amer
In 2023, the Goodman Gallery in London showcased a collection of works from Egyptian textile artist Ghada Amer titled QR Codes Revisited. The exhibition showcases several textile pieces with a visual language similar to QR codes.
In 2023, the Goodman Gallery in London showcased a collection of works from Egyptian textile artist Ghada Amer titled QR Codes Revisited. The exhibition showcases several textile pieces with a visual language similar to QR codes.
While not functional QR codes, the collection uses imagery similar to QR codes as a statement on communication between cultures in the modern age.
Invader
French street artist Invader has become known in recent years for his series of QR code inspired mosaics that he embeds into public spaces. While not traditional QR codes, these can be decoded with certain apps to reveal hidden messages from the artist.
French street artist Invader has become known in recent years for his series of QR code inspired mosaics that he embeds into public spaces. While not traditional QR codes, these can be decoded with certain apps to reveal hidden messages from the artist.
Invader’s QR code mosaics can be found all over the world, with notable pieces being found in India, Nepal, France, and even the United States.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can QR codes still be functional in an art piece?
A: Yes. As long as the artist puts effort into maintaining adequate data in the QR code, it will remain scannable, even with heavy embellishments.
Q: Have artists used QR codes in the past?
A: Yes. Artists like Trevor Jones, Ghada Amer, and Invader, have all used QR codes or QR code visual language in their artwork.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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