From virtual reality experiences to new digital mediums, artists and those who view art can experience it in more dynamic ways.

  In 2019, I visited The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, to view his work and the Rene Magritte exhibit – which I thought was a pretty big deal.

But it was the virtual reality experience patrons were flocking to.

This was the first time I noticed how technology was integrating into art.

At the museum, they took the painting “Archaeological Reminiscence of Millet’s Angelus” by Dali and created a video of the painting to be viewed with a VR headset.

This video fully immerses you in the painting and it looks like another world.

As an art student and digital artist, I am fascinated by how technology has evolved the way art is made and seen. But, I wanted to understand what other students think about the use of technology by showing them the same VR experience I saw in 2019.

Castleton senior Hunter Smith said the animation technology used in the virtual reality video provides cool opportunities.

“When you see the landscapes, you can picture how they move in your brain, but you can’t physically see it in front of you in the painting. Technology kind of allows that,” he said.

Smith can see why some may not appreciate someone creating new parts of the painting but doesn’t think the original piece is being “ripped off,” because there is an element of homage being paid.

“It’s clear this artist is also a fan of Dali, and they’re trying to extend what they perceive to be the vision,” he said.

Art Education student Jasper Lynch was struck by the use of sound in the video.

“I feel like we talk a lot about pulling the viewer into the works we make and this one definitely did that,” he said.

With technology constantly improving and changing, Lynch thinks we’re taking advantage of what we can as artists to make art in modern ways, but it’s not always feasible for everyone.

“I know from my personal experience, technology can seem really enticing, but without access to the right materials, it can be difficult to create. With more physical mediums like acrylic and pencils, it can seem a lot more obtainable to the masses,” he said.