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Arts & Communication Reflecting on art through virtual exhibitions

media instead of in a physical space such as a museum, art experience is to evoke an emotional response in the
gallery, or traditional exhibition hall. In a virtual exhibition, viewer. This could be awe, reflection, joy, melancholy, or
visitors can access the content through their electronic other emotions, depending on the intention of the artist
devices, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, or designer. 8
without being physically present at the exhibition’s Technology plays a key role in many immersive art
location. 4 experiences. This may include high-resolution projections,
Such exhibitions have covered a wide variety of topics VR, AR, motion sensors, spatial sound, touch screens, and
and formats, from online art galleries showcasing digital more, for the use of advanced technology is an important
artworks to interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to aspect of these art exhibitions. These experiences can be
explore and learn about a specific topic through a digital presented in a variety of formats, such as art installations
platform. Virtual exhibitions often incorporate multimedia in museums, multimedia projections in public spaces,
elements, such as images, videos, sounds, animations, and live performances, VR experiences, or even temporary
text, to provide a rich and engaging experience. installations at cultural events. 9
One advantage of virtual exhibitions is that they can Immersive art experiences are often designed around
reach a global audience because people anywhere in the a narrative, theme, or central concept. While they may
world with an internet connection can access them. In tell a story or explore an abstract concept through visual
addition, they offer flexibility in terms of timing, as visitors and auditory elements, one of the main goals of such an
can explore the content at their own pace and at a time experience is global accessibility. Some immersive art
convenient for them. experiences have become globally accessible through
online platforms, allowing people from different parts
In sum, a virtual exhibition is a digital presentation of of the world to participate and experience the works
content that allows people to access and explore cultural, regardless of their geographical location. 10
educational, or artistic exhibitions and displays through
electronic devices with an internet connection without Virtual exhibitions may or may not use original works by
needing to be physically present at the exhibition site. 4 artists; however, they typically adopt a narrative thread that
helps 21 -century viewers connect different concepts and
st
3.2. Conceptualization of immersive art common ideas in works that no one had previously noticed.
The concept of immersion cannot be explained easily, Some of these exhibitions do use VR with devices that can
and it has more than one definition. Some authors have create and recreate an illusory world in which the viewer
defined “simulated immersion” as “the degree to which an is immersed in the experience designed by the exhibition
exhibit effectively involves, absorbs, engrosses, or creates curator, especially through 3D projections and music.
for visitors the experience of a particular time and place.” An immersive art experience integrates various
5
Other authors broadened this concept to include VR techniques, such as VR, AR, and mixed reality in interactive
experiences. 6 digital layers, such that the viewer, without the need for
Immersive art experiences are characterized by the devices like VR glasses, has the sensation and perception
creation of an environment or space that surrounds the of physically entering another universe, within a work or
viewer. This is achieved through projections, lighting, a story, accompanied by music and with a predetermined
surround sound, physical installations, or a combination of route and time that invites them to enjoy the experience in
these elements. Furthermore, some authors have claimed a specific order for a very specific enjoyment. 11,12
that these elements (i.e., the use of different media) create Thus, while virtual exhibitions focus on showcasing
a sense of confusion in viewers. 7 artworks online with limited interaction, immersive
A major question is whether the exhibition involves art experiences seek to immerse viewers in an artistic
active or passive interaction. Some immersive art environment that deeply stimulates their senses and
experiences allow for active interaction by the viewer, emotions, whether in a physical or virtual space. Immersion
meaning that they can influence the artwork or its and interaction are the distinctive features of immersive art
development. Others are more passive, where viewers experiences.
are observers without directly influencing what happens. 4. Evolution of the social impact of virtual
These experiences seek to stimulate multiple senses,
including sight, hearing, and touch, in some cases. The exhibitions and immersive art experiences
combination of sensory stimuli creates a complete and Experiential and environmental art have had long-standing
immersive experience. The primary goal of an immersive popularity. Their origins can be traced to the Light and

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/ac.3688