Many would argue that no drawing, painting, or sculpture is complete until it is shared. That is the very nature of art. It is meant to be shared. In the digital age, there is no better way to make it more inclusive and accessible. Virtual reality and immersive experiences are ushering in a new era in the world of art. In combining traditional art forms and cutting-edge innovations, artists can fashion all-new experiences for art enthusiasts. Not only that, but the marriage of art and technology will draw in new audiences from all over the world.
Let’s find out how virtual reality is taking art to new heights.
Empowering Artists Everywhere
VR is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, it’s inching closer to widespread availability and adoption thanks to consumer-grade innovations from Oculus, HTC, and the like. From the moment VR headsets rolled out for the mass market, its earliest applications have been intermingled with art.
For instance, Oculus VR created Oculus Medium, a digital sculpting software. It enables artists to draw, sculpt, and paint in a virtual environment. It works exclusively on the brand’s headset, Oculus Rift. However, it’s mostly used by professional character artists and novices aspiring to build a career in this field.
While some platforms enable artists to create in a virtual setting, others turn tangible art forms into virtual exhibits. Take MasterArt for example. They use high-quality photography and immersive technology to breathe life into paintings and sculptures. Equipped with VR headsets, guests can see beyond a painting and immerse themselves into the world created by the artist.
Exhibiting Art Through Limitless Possibilities
Synthesis Gallery
Galleries centered on VR have started popping up in the last few years, starting with Synthesis Gallery. Founded in 2017, it prides itself on being the first VR-centered gallery in the world. It promotes the works of visionaries who are pushing boundaries to create new immersive art forms.
Something Nouveau
Like Synthesis Gallery, MODA Museum of Digital Art promotes the use of immersive technologies in art. They are heading to Bangkok, Thailand, next year to launch Something Nouveau. Art lovers will see famous artworks, from Van Gogh to Monet, in a virtual environment. Moreover, they get to explore pieces from the golden age of Art Nouveau. That includes works from Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, and Aubrey Beardsley.
Visitors can interact with the exhibits. They can also create their own immersive artworks and participate in the show.
VR-All-Art
While VR is bringing new experiences to traditional galleries, it’s also breaking boundaries. VR-All-Art is arguably the most expansive art space to date. Art enthusiasts can discover new artists and explore works from anywhere in the world at any time. Through the platform, they can explore Mosaic Kole, contemporary space with installations ranging from classic to modern pieces. They can explore Spectra, a small-scale VR gallery, intended for solo or small group exhibitions and so much more.
Inclusive, Accessible, and Unrestricted
Artists and curators can exhibit to their heart’s content, without being bound by physical, spatial, or time boundaries. That means they can reach audiences everywhere. In turn, they gain better opportunities to promote and sell their work.
VR is fueling a new era in the art scene, where art is inclusive, accessible, and unrestricted by time and space. It has taken it to new heights and will continue to do so in the years to come.
