Virtual Gallery: How VR, AR Is Disrupting Traditional Brick-And-Mortar Experiences

The disruptive concept of virtual art galleries has made it feasible for art admirers to view, appreciate and buy precious artistic creations from anywhere in the world.

Virtual galleries have contributed significantly to the increment of online art sales globally.

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Art has enticed society since ancient times. It has often been deemed as a potential medium for exhibiting universal beauty. Be it the medley of colourful and effervescent perspectives or profound sentiments, the artist's intended emotions and desired thoughts are successfully portrayed through the gorgeous art. 

Conventionally, art has always been perceived as a form of eternal beauty which is tangible. Most people worldwide love to visit art galleries to feel the alluring beauty of the paintings or the artistic sculptures curated by their favourite artists. However, due to technological and socio-economic developments that occurred in the past few decades, the mentioned phenomenon of enjoying art in its tangible form has evolved drastically.

The contemporary era is influenced by innovative technological progression. 

Almost every aspect of modern life has been impacted by the recent technological revolution with the art and culture industry being no exception there. New-age technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) have redefined the ecosystem of art and culture. 

The post-pandemic times too have altered the conventional ways of artistic pursuit. The best part is that the latest technological intervention in the realm of art has diminished geographical boundaries. 

The disruptive concept of virtual art galleries has made it feasible for art admirers to view, appreciate and buy precious artistic creations from anywhere in the world, irrespective of their physical location. 

Benefits Of Virtual Art Galleries

Virtual art galleries have certainly transformed the paradigm of contemporary art and the cultural ecosystem. Especially, from the perspective of art patrons and collectors, the latest technology used in visual art galleries is a boon. 

A potential buyer can view the artwork in installation mode which allows them to inspect and examine the artwork closely without being disturbed by anyone. 

Virtual art galleries are great alternatives for art lovers who want to invest in art but do not intend to visit galleries because of geographical constraints. 

Art enthusiasts can conveniently buy their favourite artwork online and get it delivered to homes. 

The whole purchase experience is integrated seamlessly for the convenience of online art buyers. To make the overall experience exciting and worthwhile for their patrons, many virtual art galleries host simulation shows or tours incorporating 3D technology to impart that real-world appeal. 

Virtual galleries have contributed significantly to the increment of online art sales globally. With major art sales taking place internationally at renowned art galleries like Gagosian, it can be concluded that the perspective of art collectors is evolving to adapt to virtual art galleries.

Rising Demand For Digital Art Avenues

Massive digitalisation coupled with emerging technologies such as VR and AR has paved the path for new forms of cultural experience, dissemination of art and new business models in the creative landscape of art and culture. 

Especially during and after the pandemic times, many reputed art dealers shifted their merchandise online to keep viewers engaged. 

Significantly, the mentioned step facilitated the convenience of art perusal from the comfort of home and that ultimately led to the increased demand for cultural content. 

The provision of digitally mediated cultural and artistic content has laid the foundation for futuristic innovations in the field of art.

Encouragement Of Budding Artists

Virtual art galleries have emerged as vital platforms for artists to showcase their exquisite talent. 
 
As a specific physical site is not necessary for virtual galleries, they grant artists the freedom to portray their talent along with a cost-effective way to hire a real place for free art exhibitions.
 
Many virtual art galleries have helped artists in spreading their creativity over the world, thereby, achieving a global presence. Virtual art galleries have remarkably contributed towards bridging the physical-digital gap as well as assisting the artist community to thrive in recent times.

Virtual art galleries have often been deemed a boon for the art and culture industry due to their commendable contribution towards the enhancement of the same. Online art galleries have positively impacted the art fraternity by offering multifarious advantages to both artists and art lovers lately.

(The author is the co-founder of You.Art, an online marketplace for Indian contemporary artists)

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