Works of Art with your Phone using Mirror Lab

Today I decided to take a little time to explore my artistic side and see what I can create using Mirror Lab. Mirror Lab by Ilixa is an app for Android and iOS that gives you the ability to turn your pictures into kaleidoscope, fractal, geometric, and glitchy works of art. You can get started with the free version and upgrade to pro if you need the extra functionality. I did all of my manipulations using the free version.

Overview

Using the app, you can take photos from your phone and apply a wide variety of special effect filters. These are not your typical Instagram filters, these filters add special effects such as mirror images and multiple mirrors to create unique works of art. To begin, open a photo and choose your filter. Each filter has different settings. You can also move the image around to create different effects.

The beauty and simplicity of this app is addicting. I spent a few hours playing around with the different effects on several images that were on my phone.

According to the app information page, there are over 50 different filters and effects you can apply. If that is not enough for you, for $4.99 you can go pro and add a bunch more.

After you are done creating your image, you can save your image. In the free version, you save the image as a JPEG. Upgrading to pro gives you the ability to save as a PNG. The Pro version also bumps up your working resolution from 3 Megapixels to 12.

Image Examples

Here are a few side-by-side comparisons of a starting image and different filters.

In the Classroom

The obvious use in the classroom is to create amazing images. Here are a few ways to use Mirror Lab in the classroom.

• Explore the different filters and have your students all create a different image based off of one starter image.
• Build student visual literacy skills and have students create images based on different emotions. Have them write about why each image represents each emotion. Make sure they use their visual vocabulary.
• Have students take pictures of their world. A picture of something familiar and have them use the filters to make the familiar into something different.
• Take pictures of ordinary objects. Use the filters to change the images. Have students build their inquiry skills and see if they can figure out what was in the original picture. Have them support their thoughts with evidence.

These are just a few ways you could use this app with students.

Whether you want to use the app for your own creative pleasure or you are going to use it with your students, Mirror Lab is an excellent create app. It is easy to use and fun to see your images transform into something amazing.

Have you created works of art with Mirror Lab? Share your images in the comments.