360-degree video

Definition

360-degree video is a type of video technology that captures a complete spherical view of an environment, allowing viewers to experience immersive scenes from all angles. This format has become increasingly popular in contemporary art practices as it offers new ways for artists to engage audiences, enabling them to explore virtual spaces in a highly interactive manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 360-degree video can be recorded using special cameras designed with multiple lenses, allowing for panoramic capture of the surroundings.
2. This format is used not only in art but also in fields such as education, marketing, and entertainment to provide an engaging viewer experience.
3. With the rise of platforms like YouTube and Facebook supporting 360-degree content, artists can reach wider audiences and invite more interaction.
4. Viewing 360-degree videos requires compatible devices or software, such as VR headsets or mobile apps, which enhance the immersive experience.
5. Artists use 360-degree video to create installations that invite audience participation, changing how viewers interact with and respond to art.

Review Questions

• How does 360-degree video enhance viewer engagement in contemporary art practices?
  • 360-degree video enhances viewer engagement by creating an immersive experience that allows audiences to explore the artwork from multiple perspectives. This format encourages interaction as viewers can control their viewpoint and navigate through virtual spaces at their own pace. By offering this level of interactivity, artists can foster a deeper emotional connection and provoke thoughtful responses, ultimately transforming the way art is experienced.
• Discuss the technological advancements that have contributed to the popularity of 360-degree video in contemporary art.
  • The popularity of 360-degree video in contemporary art has been driven by advancements in camera technology, such as the development of affordable multi-lens cameras that make it easier for artists to capture spherical footage. Additionally, the growth of virtual reality platforms and social media integration has allowed artists to share their work widely and engage viewers in innovative ways. These technologies facilitate a richer storytelling medium and have opened up new avenues for artistic expression.
• Evaluate the impact of 360-degree video on traditional notions of authorship and viewer agency within contemporary art.
  • The use of 360-degree video challenges traditional notions of authorship and viewer agency by shifting some control from the artist to the audience. In a typical artwork, the artist dictates how it should be viewed; however, with 360-degree video, viewers have the power to choose their own perspective and focus on different elements within the piece. This shift leads to a more collaborative relationship between the artist and viewer, prompting discussions about what it means to create and consume art in a shared virtual space.

Related terms

Virtual Reality (VR): A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, often involving 360-degree video to enhance immersion.

Augmented Reality (AR): An interactive experience where digital information is overlaid onto the real world, sometimes incorporating elements of 360-degree video.

Immersive Media: Content that engages multiple senses and encourages active participation, often utilizing technologies like 360-degree video to create a sense of presence.