Advancements in technology continue to change and improve our lives. Everything we do is influenced by technology in some way, from the way we interact with one another professionally and socially to the way we manage our money and finances.
Perhaps the most exciting technological development in modern times is virtual reality (VR). This has promised to revolutionize a range of fields from education to the arts. Is VR technology set to change art installations in Los Angeles? Let’s find out.
What is VR?
VR is the name given to advanced audio-visual technology that creates a fully immersive, interactive simulated world that users can enter and experience as though it were real life.
VR has existed in a rudimentary form since the late 1960s, but only recently has it been able to reach its true potential, driven by the power of modern technology and audio-visual equipment.
VR users don headsets which use wide, near-eye displays to create a virtual visual environment, while speakers provide the sound. These headsets track user movements allowing them to move around in this virtual space, while handheld control units allow the user to interact with the simulated world they are in.
We’re seeing an increasing range of industries and sectors incorporate VR technology into their business practices. It can be used for a variety of things, including education and training, gaming, and the arts.
The Art Scene In LA
La is one of the world’s true cultural hubs. Home to some of the planet’s biggest stars, and the setting for countless movies and TV shows, LA is synonymous with fame, fortune, and entertainment.
As such a hotbed of creative talent, it will come as no surprise to learn that LA has long had a vibrant and eclectic art scene. A huge number of artists have flocked to LA over the years to take advantage of the unique opportunities the city offers and to immerse themselves in the scene.
LA is home to over 100 art galleries and the city hosts innumerable one-off special events and art installations. However, many experts are predicting that the very nature of these art installations is set to change with the arrival of VR. Let’s find out more.
How Will VR Change Art Installations?
VR has a number of uses and has changed the face of a range of different industries. From training for medical professionals to the design of the top games, VR has and will continue to be adopted across a variety of sectors.
Art installations require a degree of interaction between the viewer and the medium, be that through sight, sound, touch, or even smell. This connection is what makes the art installation so powerful, it creates a link between artist and viewer which can be a powerful emotional force.
Traditionally, people would have to travel to view an art installation at a specific location. However, with the advent of VR technology, people will now be able to view installations remotely, with the art coming to them rather than the other way around.
While this will obviously make things far more convenient for art lovers and will make art installations all the more accessible, some fear it could erode the connection between artist and viewer and act as a barrier that will negatively impact the experience.
However, so much contemporary art is partly or completely digital. Is there a difference between viewing it on a screen at an installation or on a screen through a VR helmet? The lines may be more blurred than many people realize, which makes this such an interesting and hotly contested debate.
The Future of Art and VR
VR isn’t just changing art installations; we’re seeing the creation of fully-fledged VR art galleries as well. In these virtual spaces, visitors can access and view the collection of famous art galleries from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection and a VR headset.
Some people fear that, eventually, this could render traditional brick and mortar art galleries obsolete. After all, why visit an art gallery in person when you could view their entire collection from the comfort of your home?
Perhaps the idea of art galleries becoming defunct is a tad overdramatic. One thing is for certain though, VR is changing the face of the art world and will continue to do so as the technology improves and it becomes more integrated with our everyday lives.
Conclusion
In the past, VR was thought of as a science-fiction fairy tale, something that would never truly come to fruition. However, VR is here and is here to stay. The technology has already significantly changed how many businesses and industries operate, and we can expect to see that trend continue in the art world and beyond.