How Virtual Reality is Transforming The Arts

From stained glass to the invention of the canvas itself, technological innovations have always unlocked new possibilities for the arts.

More recently, the invention and widespread adoption of VR has enabled artists to create mindblowing new environments, prototype artworks before building them, and even sell their work remotely.

Read on to learn more about how virtual reality is transforming the arts (for the better!).

VR Art Galleries

Virtual art galleries unlock a new frontier of possibilities for artists creatively, logistically, and even financially. 

During a collaborative workshop series hosted by Immersive Light & Art (ILA) and Reality Bytes, artists learned to design and develop their own VR art galleries.

They showcased their own works of all mediums (including paintings, sculptures, and songs) in the virtual space. Some artists programmed a feature where users could ‘step inside’ their paintings, and experience an immersive and interactive 3D version.

These VR art galleries enable artists to showcase their works in an innovative way, without having to haul hundreds of pieces wherever they want to set up an exhibition.

They also enable artists to showcase their works remotely, lowering marketing costs and increasing sales. In a world where artists constantly battle to monetize their work, VR is an empowering tool for them to use.

Cheryll Johns, professional Creative Content Consultant and Art Director at GP Strategies, called the Reality Bytes’ VR Art Gallery workshop an ‘amazing resource’:

“I enjoyed this VR workshop so much! Thanks Cameron and the team at Immersive Light and Art for providing this amazing resource.” — Cheryll Johns, Art Director at GP Strategies

VR Arts Education

VR and other emerging technologies such as 360 cameras and 3D modelling enable a myriad of educational opportunities for students.

Not only can students use immersive technologies as a tool to develop art, but they also learn valuable STEM skills such as programming, which can benefit their future careers.

VR Art Education in Schools

Valley View Secondary School teamed up with Reality Bytes to teach their year 9-11 students how to build VR art galleries. Students showcased their visual art assessment pieces inside the virtual galleries.

The galleries were experienced by teachers and other students across the school. Students also developed video screen recordings from their exhibitions, which are now displayed in the school’s reception for all to see.

“Students had fun bringing their sculpture and painting from the ‘A Whole New World’ project into a VR exhibition space. They loved using the VR headsets for a fully immersive experience. I am excited by the curriculum opportunities that VR presents for Visual Arts. I can’t wait to explore creativity through VR more deeply at Valley View Secondary School.” — Noeleen Curran, Arts Coordinator & Educator at Valley View Secondary School

VR Art Education in School Holiday Programs

Carclew, Australia’s largest multi-artform cultural institution dedicated to children and young people, hosts a program called ‘VR Tower Quest’.

The program, facilitated by Reality Bytes, teaches kids how to combine traditional arts with immersive tech. Using pencils and paper, students create detailed designs of their own character, and come up with personalities for them.

They then model their characters, learning to use 3D software to bring them to life. At the end of the day, students get hands-on with Meta Quest headsets. They embark on a virtual quest, where they get to adventure alongside their very own characters in the game.

“The program was focused on unpacking and demystifying VR, and deep diving into the world of 3D design, and then getting to trial their very own characters inside a VR headset. It’s as easy or hard as they (the students) like and it’s wildly creative. Sensational.” — Jude Henshall, Producer at Carclew

Prototyping Artworks

VR also enables creatives to effectively test concepts before investing time and resources into creating physical art. 

A popular VR art tool is Tilt Brush, an application that allows users to paint in 3D space inside a VR headset. Artists can use Tilt Brush to create their own paintings, sculptures, and even entire immersive environments. 

Artist Wendy Roberts used Tilt Brush to design an immersive cosmic lotus pond environment. The artwork features moving particle effects such as sparkles to bring it to life.

The artwork can be experienced through physically walking around the pond, rather than being limited to viewing it from one angle.

Wendy describes Tilt Brush as being advantageous for artists, enabling a “surreal loose approach that takes advantage of the fact that you can paint with actual light.”

Recommendations for Artists

Artists of all mediums can benefit from VR art tools. There are many applications such as VR art galleries, combining tech and art, and prototyping artworks. VR enables a multitude of benefits for artists creatively, logistically, and financially.

Interested to learn more about VR art, or keen for your organisation to host a VR art workshop? Get in touch with us and we’d love to help!