Are virtual galleries the way forward?
Virtual reality, the hottest trend combining art and tech, has taken the art world by storm. Recently, artists and institutions are experimenting with this new digital technology to create immersive works of art and exhibitions with which viewers can interact.
What is virtual reality?
Using headsets and tools such as Google Tilt Brush, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Facebook 360, the art world explores this fascinating new medium to immerse users in a three-dimensional simulated environment. With virtual reality, audiences will be able to view their favourite artworks without travelling across the globe.
See also: Experience Van Gogh And Picasso's Masterpieces In Virtual Reality
Artists experimenting with VR artwork
Earlier this year in March, Art Basel teamed up with Google to launch a VR art project in Hong Kong. Using Google Tilt Brush, artists like Yang Yongliang, Cao Fei and Sun Xun created works of art by painting in three-dimensional virtual space.
In May, Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei unveiled her BMW Art Car #18 at Minsheng Art Museum, Shanghai. Her work is a combination of VR technology and video art, which fuses ancient Chinese traditions and the rapid technological advancements happening in contemporary China.