Video Essay of Olivia Sonne and Iris Zhang.
Overview
What are we talking about when we talk about digital art? Observing various perspectives on digital art prompts this intriguing question. The diversity of ideas surrounding this relatively young medium offers a valuable discussion point, especially as people bring their unique experiences and interpretations of digital art’s meaning and impact. Our video essay contrasts two forms of digital art experiences. The Van Gogh Immersive Experience emphasizes visual spectacle through digital reproductions of Van Gogh’s art, primarily catering to Instagrammable moments rather than deep engagement. In contrast, the Nxt Museum in Amsterdam showcases original, tech-driven works like Living Room by Random International, where art responds to viewers’ interactions, fostering a thoughtful, personal connection. This immersive approach transforms the visitor from a passive observer to an active participant, urging digital art to inspire reflection and connection rather than mere consumption. By analyzing the differences between these two approaches to digital art, we hope to answer the above question, or at least present a new lens through which to consider the nature of digital art experiences.
Video Essay
https://youtu.be/3vwFwtGAvyk?si=lGCI6G1UdU3zPEeF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vwFwtGAvyk
(Technical issue with embedding)
Bibliography
“Boundary Functions (1998) — Scott Snibbe – Interactive Art.” n.d. Scott Snibbe. https://www.snibbe.com/art/boundaryfunctions.
Broey Deschanel. 2023. “Immersive Van Gogh: Why Art Is in Crisis.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOFBAJStuk8.
“Immersive Van Gogh Experiences Bloom Like Sunflowers.” 2021. The New York Times. September 21, 2021.
“Life in a Different Resolution – Nxt Museum.” n.d. Nxt Museum. https://nxtmuseum.com/exhibition/life-in-a-different-resolution.
Mondloch, Kate. 2022. “The Influencers: Van Gogh Immersive Experiences and the Attention-Experience Economy.” Arts 11 (5): 90. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts11050090.
“RANDOM INTERNATIONAL.” n.d. RANDOM INTERNATIONAL. https://www.random-international.com/living-room-variation-1-2022.
“Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience,” n.d. https://vangoghexpo.com/.Bibliography
I really enjoyed your video! I appreciated how you compared two different approaches to the digitalization of art. I think the first approach fails because it simply reuses traditional art forms in a digital space, creating a superficial, Instagram-friendly environment for those who lack critical engagement. As a result, I don’t think this spectacle can truly be called art. On the other hand, what you showcased about the second museum is something entirely new. The artists there engage with digital tools, study them, and transform them into original artworks, rather than just using a screen to project century-old pieces as a backdrop for social media.
Thanks for bringing these two very specific examples of digital art to my attention, I enjoyed watching your video essay!
Though I must say that I don’t entirely agree with the ‘Spectacle vs Substance’ distinction you make.
I have a hunch that Van Gogh wouldn’t be very enthusiastic about how his art is reproduced (or maybe rather manipulated) and I would personally prefer to experience his art in its original form. On the other hand, that the Van Gogh Immersive Experience attracts the masses, is not necessarily an indicator of low quality. In my view, making the exposition a ‘social media-friendly’ place contributes to the engagement of the visitors, and this engagement might in fact be very ‘deep’ and personal.
I find this a bit difficult to compare to the Nxt Museum. But one thing becomes apparent to me: As with traditional art, different genres attract different audiences. Art will always be controversial, and can be thought-provoking for every open-minded person.