If creative imagination characterises contemporary artists, imagine what happens when the common rules of gravity don’t apply in their artistic process. Virtual Reality works are increasingly turning up on the art scene around the globe and seem to become one of the most captivating ways of expressions; not only for young emerging artists, but also for the established ones. Having a curious viewer behind the headset while experiencing some weird uncommon artworks coming from the future seem to be the hottest conversation among art people during major art events such as Venice Biennale. Virtual technology has definitely invaded the art world and seems to fade away artistic conventions.
#1 DSL Collection
Since 2005, Sylvain and Dominique Levy have been concentrating on collecting Chinese contemporary art. As they both recognise the innovative and immerse power of the virtual technology in the arts, they also recently launched the first ever virtual museum. The visitor is able to navigate the impressive DSL collection for free receiving important information on each artwork. Talking about the importance of Virtual Reality, Karen Levy, characteristically points out that the“VR space is not an extension but a distinction from the white cube”. Also, highly supportive of her family’s art collection, Karen underlines that VR ably “democratizes spaces” and “extends the experience of art”. The most recent interaction with the DSL collection took place in London where a multi-dimensional exhibition was presented in Photo London allowing the visitors to explore the collection via VR and having a clearer idea how a virtual museum looks like.
#2 Cao Fei
The famous Chinese artist has adopted VR tools for good as she has already been involved in creating the RMB City in the virtual world of Second Life. RMB City is a virtual metropolis where the artist’s own virtual utopia is experienced through the identity of an avatar, called China Tracy, who functions as a guide into her world. Now in Venice Biennale, the V-A-C Foundation showcases Cao’s new video work in which her female characters are replaced with the famous figures Marx, Mao and Lenin having a virtual conversation in the Cao’s world of Second Life
#3 Christian Lemmerz
This year’s Venice Biennale highlights will include the launch of Khora Contemporary, a VR production company for artists, as part of Faurschou Foundation’s presentations for this prestigious festival. On account of this, the German-based artist Christian Lemmerz presents his work entitled La Apparizione. The artist deals with religious themes encouraging his audience to experience the burning corpse of Jesus Christ which flares up onto an invisible cross! VR brings the relationship with the viewer to another level as it creates miracles.
#4 Paul McCarthy
The Los Angeles- based artist never stops surprising his audience. His latest work CSSC VR experiment “what is your name?” is another big commission of the Khora Contemporary. In his virtual reality, McCarthy, known for his brutal and uncommon imagery, created some depraved female characters who are ready to engage in dirty talking and flirt intensively with the viewer when he/she approaches close enough.
#5 Bjork
The pop singer from Iceland has vividly demonstrated her commitment to the virtual technology tools. Take for instance her recent video clips, like the “Quicksand” filmed in 360 degrees, or her VR exhibition in London, where her 3D avatar was broadcasting her movements live from Iceland. Bjork doesn’t miss any opportunity to enhance her artistic relationship with her fans, while constantly looking to upgrade her creative expression. “Technology is enabling women to work outside the already formed hierarchical systems” she admits.
Photos via: artobserved.com; artsy.net; stereogum.com; twitter
