12.2 Virtual and augmented reality in Californian art practices
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Virtual and augmented reality are transforming California's art scene. These immersive technologies allow artists to create interactive, multisensory experiences that blur the lines between real and digital worlds.
From VR installations exploring border crossings to at SFMOMA, Californian artists are pushing boundaries. These new mediums offer exciting possibilities for engagement and , but also present technical and ethical challenges.
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Californian Art
Definition of VR and AR
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Augmented Reality View original
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- (VR)
- Immerses users in a completely computer-generated environment experienced through specialized headsets (, )
- Replaces the user's real-world surroundings with a digital space that can be explored and interacted with
- Enables artists to create fully immersive, that engage viewers on a multisensory level
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing it with virtual elements viewed through devices (, , )
- Allows digital art to be displayed in real-world settings, providing additional context or interactivity
- Enables experiences that blend the real and virtual, such as virtual sculptures placed in physical spaces or interactive digital layers added to physical artworks
VR and AR art in California
- "" by (2017)
- VR installation at the MIT Museum that explores the perspectives of combatants from opposing sides of conflicts (Israeli-Palestinian, Congolese)
- Immerses viewers in face-to-face encounters with photorealistic 3D scans of soldiers, encouraging empathy and understanding
- Utilizes storytelling and interactivity to create a powerful, emotionally resonant experience
- "" by (2017)
- VR installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) that simulates the experience of immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border
- Combines VR technology with physical elements (sand, wind, temperature) to create a visceral, multisensory experience
- Received a special Oscar award for its innovative storytelling and technical achievement
- "AR Graffiti" by (2018)
- AR installation at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) that allows visitors to create and view virtual graffiti using their smartphones
- Explores the intersection of public art, technology, and audience participation, challenging traditional notions of art creation and consumption
- Encourages visitors to engage with the museum space in a new, interactive way, leaving their mark on the virtual environment
Potential of immersive art technologies
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- VR and AR technologies transport viewers into fully realized digital environments, allowing artists to create highly detailed, realistic, or surreal spaces
- Immersive experiences can evoke strong emotional responses and create a sense of presence, making the art more impactful and memorable
- Interactivity
- VR and AR enable dynamic, real-time interaction between the viewer and the artwork, allowing for novel forms of engagement (manipulating virtual objects, triggering events)
- Interactive elements can make the art more personal and meaningful, as viewers' actions directly influence their experience
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- VR and AR can alter perceptions of space, time, and identity, challenging traditional notions of art viewing
- Immersive technologies can create transformative experiences that shift viewers' perspectives and encourage self-reflection
- Accessibility
- VR and AR can make art more accessible to a wider audience, enabling remote viewing and virtual exhibitions
- Immersive technologies can bring art to people who may not have the opportunity to visit physical galleries due to geographic, financial, or mobility constraints
Challenges of VR and AR art
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- Developing high-quality, realistic VR and AR experiences requires specialized skills (3D modeling, programming) and resources (powerful computers, expensive software)
- Ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms can be difficult, as hardware and software rapidly evolve
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- VR and AR experiences can be highly persuasive and emotionally impactful, raising concerns about manipulation and unintended consequences
- Artists must consider the potential psychological effects on viewers, especially when dealing with sensitive or traumatic content
- Issues of consent, privacy, and data collection must be addressed when creating interactive experiences that gather user information
- Accessibility and inclusion
- VR and AR hardware and software can be expensive, limiting access for some audiences and potentially creating a
- Artists should strive to create experiences that are accessible to people with different abilities (visual, auditory, mobility) and backgrounds (language, culture)
- Preservation and archiving
- Rapidly evolving technologies can make it difficult to preserve and display VR and AR artworks over time, as hardware and software become obsolete
- Institutions must develop strategies for documenting and archiving these works (3D models, source code, video documentation) for future generations
Key Terms to Review (22)
Accessibility: Accessibility refers to the design and implementation of products, environments, and experiences that can be accessed and used by all individuals, including those with disabilities. In the context of art and technology, it emphasizes creating inclusive experiences that accommodate diverse users. This is particularly relevant in virtual and augmented reality, where the goal is to ensure that everyone can engage with and appreciate artistic expressions.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu: Alejandro G. Iñárritu is a renowned Mexican filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling and innovative cinematic techniques. His work often explores complex themes such as the human condition, identity, and existential struggles, and he has significantly impacted contemporary cinema, particularly in the context of digital storytelling and immersive experiences.
Ar graffiti: AR graffiti is a modern form of street art that utilizes augmented reality technology to enhance or create interactive experiences in public spaces. This digital layer allows artists to merge traditional graffiti with virtual elements, transforming the viewer's perception and engagement with the artwork. By integrating AR, artists can convey deeper narratives and connect with audiences in innovative ways, redefining the boundaries of urban art.
Carne y arena: Carne y arena is an immersive art installation created by artist Alejandro Iñárritu, which uses virtual reality to explore the complex experiences of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. This work combines physical elements with virtual reality to provide a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by immigrants, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of their journey.
Data privacy: Data privacy refers to the handling and protection of personal information, ensuring that individuals have control over how their data is collected, used, and shared. It encompasses regulations and practices that safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, misuse, or exploitation. With the rise of technology, especially in art production and dissemination, the need for robust data privacy measures has become increasingly crucial.
Digital divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, communities, and countries that have access to modern information and communication technology and those that do not. This divide can be based on socioeconomic status, geographic location, education level, and other factors that influence access to digital resources. Understanding this concept is crucial in examining how virtual and augmented reality can be utilized in artistic practices and how these technologies may exclude certain populations from participation.
Erin ko: Erin Ko is an innovative artist known for her work in virtual and augmented reality, blending technology with traditional art forms to create immersive experiences. Her projects often explore themes of identity, culture, and the human experience, utilizing digital platforms to engage audiences in new ways. This intersection of art and technology positions her as a significant figure in contemporary Californian art practices.
Ethical considerations: Ethical considerations refer to the set of principles and standards that guide the behavior and decision-making processes in various fields, especially regarding moral implications and responsibilities. In the context of virtual and augmented reality art practices, these considerations address how artists engage with technology, the impact on audiences, and the potential consequences of immersive experiences. This involves evaluating issues like consent, representation, and the psychological effects of virtual environments.
HTC Vive: HTC Vive is a virtual reality (VR) headset developed by HTC and Valve Corporation that provides an immersive experience for users in various applications, particularly in gaming and artistic practices. It features motion tracking technology, allowing users to interact with a virtual environment through physical movements, thus bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. This capability has made it a popular choice among artists and creators in California exploring new dimensions of expression and engagement.
Immersion: Immersion refers to a state of being deeply engaged or absorbed in an experience, often facilitated by technology. In the context of virtual and augmented reality, immersion is achieved when users feel completely enveloped in a digital environment, making the experience more interactive and lifelike. This heightened sense of presence can transform traditional art practices by allowing artists and viewers to engage with artworks in innovative ways.
Immersive art: Immersive art is a form of artistic expression that engages viewers in a multi-sensory experience, often blurring the lines between the artwork and the audience's reality. This type of art typically utilizes technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, to create environments where participants can interact with the work in dynamic and engaging ways. Immersive art aims to create a sense of presence and involvement, making the viewer an integral part of the artistic experience.
Interactive installations: Interactive installations are immersive art experiences that engage viewers through their participation, often utilizing technology to create a dynamic relationship between the artwork and the audience. These installations invite individuals to influence or contribute to the art, allowing for a personalized encounter that can vary with each interaction. By incorporating elements of virtual and augmented reality, as well as drawing on aesthetics from the tech industry, these installations redefine the boundaries of traditional art forms and encourage a more participatory approach.
Karim Ben Khelifa: Karim Ben Khelifa is a contemporary artist known for his innovative use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in his artworks, which often explore themes of conflict, identity, and the human experience. His projects combine cutting-edge technology with powerful storytelling, pushing the boundaries of how art can engage with social issues and evoke emotional responses from viewers. Through his work, he creates immersive experiences that invite audiences to reflect on their perceptions and interactions with complex realities.
Microsoft HoloLens: Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality headset developed by Microsoft that allows users to interact with digital content in a physical environment. By blending virtual elements with the real world, it enables immersive experiences that can be utilized in various fields, including art, education, and industry. Its ability to overlay holograms onto real-world surfaces has significantly impacted how artists and creators approach their work in California's vibrant art scene.
Oculus Rift: The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality (VR) headset developed by Oculus VR, designed to immerse users in a computer-generated environment for gaming and other interactive experiences. Its advanced technology includes stereoscopic 3D, head tracking, and motion sensors, which collectively create a sense of presence that enhances the viewer's engagement with digital art and virtual experiences, especially in the realm of contemporary Californian art practices.
Smartphones: Smartphones are handheld devices that combine mobile phone capabilities with advanced computing features, allowing users to access the internet, run applications, and utilize various multimedia functions. They have transformed the way we communicate, access information, and interact with our environment, leading to innovative uses in various fields, including art.
Tablets: Tablets are portable computing devices that typically feature a touchscreen interface, designed for tasks like browsing the internet, reading, and various forms of content creation. In the context of virtual and augmented reality in Californian art practices, tablets serve as tools that artists utilize to create, display, and interact with immersive digital environments.
Technical challenges: Technical challenges refer to the obstacles and difficulties encountered when implementing and utilizing advanced technologies in various fields. In the context of virtual and augmented reality, these challenges can arise from issues related to hardware limitations, software integration, user experience design, and the overall accessibility of these technologies for both creators and users.
The enemy: In the context of virtual and augmented reality in Californian art practices, 'the enemy' refers to the concept of opposing forces or challenges that artists and creators confront within their digital and immersive works. This could manifest as societal norms, technological limitations, or even the psychological barriers individuals face when engaging with virtual environments. Understanding 'the enemy' is essential for artists as they navigate and redefine the boundaries of reality, identity, and engagement in their creative expressions.
Transformation: Transformation refers to a profound or notable change in form, structure, or appearance. In the context of virtual and augmented reality within Californian art practices, it highlights how artists and technologists redefine traditional artistic methods and perceptions through immersive experiences. This shift not only alters the viewer's interaction with art but also challenges the boundaries of creativity and expression by integrating digital technologies into the artistic process.
Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation that immerses users in a three-dimensional environment, allowing them to interact with and experience that environment as if it were real. This technology can transform various fields, including art, by enabling artists to create immersive experiences that engage audiences in innovative ways. VR not only reshapes artistic practices but also raises questions about the future of visual expression and how emerging technologies influence our perceptions.
Vr headsets: VR headsets are immersive devices designed to provide users with a virtual reality experience, transporting them into digital environments that can simulate real or imagined worlds. These headsets use advanced technology, including stereoscopic displays and motion tracking, to create a sense of presence and interactivity. They have gained significant traction in various fields, including gaming, education, and art, transforming how creators express their visions and engage audiences.