When art galleries around the globe were shut down due to the pandemic, artists continued to create new ways to inspire. Art became an outlet for the emotions experienced during the world’s health crisis. It was bonded over through the novel methods by which it became presented. With the help of technology, galleries and exhibits came back to life. Curators and artists alike shared their findings and works, respectively, through digital platforms such as social media, virtual meetings, and immersive experiences online.
People still look to works of art to escape a harsh reality. Songs, literature, and digital forms of paintings and sketches came into play, inspiring its beneficiaries to look toward a brighter future. This helps in the stress and anxiety management of individuals during a highly stressful point in their lives, along with the oblivion that a pandemic provides.
As people spent more time at home, their free time translated into creativity. Whether this was expressed through baking or on a screen, they just wanted to keep themselves occupied as they waited out uncertainty. Through HTML 5 smart video player software on art gallery websites, artists can present their work to reach out a hand to those feeling lost and alone in the chaos. Here are some other ways adapted by the art industry to sustain its audience:
Social Media Platforms
If families can exhibit their photos through an online album, so can artists showcase their work through a virtual art gallery. They can use an existing account to make use of an established audience or start from scratch with a new account to ensure a focus on their current work. The versatility of social media platforms encourages more creativity for curators and artists alike in how illustrations and ideas are presented to a broader, global audience.
The greater accessibility of these works allows for an increased appreciation for art around the world. It evolves the industry toward a more open and less niche audience, possibly inspiring a new wave of artists to take part with their unique perspectives. This potentially fresh approach to the existing styles can be either beneficial or a nuisance to the industry, but art will still be art.
An added nuance to presenting work on social media compared to showcasing in traditional art galleries is the immediate reactions provided by the audience. Their perceptions of someone’s work will be immediately found in the comments. Their use of buttons such as “like” or “love” on those platforms will provide the host with insights into how their presentation performed. This transparency can become a double-edged sword as it will expose the art to those who may be unable to understand it.
Group Virtual Meetings
Another way for curators and artists to showcase their work is through virtual meetings on platforms that cater to their needs. Nowadays, these programs have a screen-sharing option wherein presenters can easily design a presentation from their perspective and direct a gallery in the way they want to. So long as the audience and the curator or artist have a stable internet connection, it will be a more collaborative gallery due to the chatboxes within each software.
Attendees will be able to directly interact with the artist, regardless of their shyness or ability to speak. Hiding behind a screen can also be an equalizer between fans and artists alike, allowing both sides to speak their minds. Communicating through chat can be an effective means of reaching a discussion wherein everyone is involved.
Immersive 360° Tour
Since it was mentioned that art galleries tend to have their own websites, they can also make use of an immersive tour if they can afford a camera that records at all angles. This 360-degree perspective will make the audience feel as if they are in the gallery without being physically present.
This can also be paired with text or a presentation to provide more insight into the work being shown. The context can help the audience interpret art appropriately, as they are provided with the perspective of the artist. In turn, this could lead to a higher appreciation of the industry.
Despite the challenges faced by humanity due to the pandemic, the resiliency of the arts exemplifies the strength of individuals to come together. It pulls everyone involved out of the darkness. It becomes the inspiration to do better and improve the situation. Overall, the escape provided by this industry is a necessity to preserve hope in the face of uncertainty, tragedy, exhaustion, and fear. Art is a beautiful form in every sense.
