Virtual Reality festival, Recto VRso 2020, to take place online this year!
Going Virtual: A New Reality for Art and VR Festival, Recto VRso
In the era of digital transformation, our friendly neighborhood art and virtual reality festival, Recto VRso, is stepping up its game. Originally conceived in 2018, the festival has consistently pushed the boundaries of real and virtual, and the pandemic-induced transformation in 2020 has only fueled this dynamic exploration. Jewel Guez, the creative force behind the festival, is thrilled about this new development.
What to expect from the 2020 edition of Recto VRso?
The major news is that the exhibition Real Body/Virtual Body, originally scheduled for April 2020, has been postponed to April 2021. The team is making every effort to secure the same artists, many of whom have already confirmed their participation. The essence of Recto VRso lies in the themes and curation, making the postponement a smooth transition.
Is there a Recto VRso edition happening within our website World?
Indeed, we're venturing into the digital world with a virtual Recto VRso edition for 2020. From April 22nd to 24th, you'll find a 4-story building in our website World, functioning as a networking hub for Recto VRso. This interactive space presents the festival through 15 screens, showcasing the gallery, art trail, 2018 and 2019 catalogues, and more. The top floor is dedicated to artist presentations, featuring video rooms, artist spaces, and networking areas. It's an art-lover's paradise!
Will we be able to admire the artworks in this virtual world?
The physical exhibition has been postponed, but fear not! We're working on a virtual reinterpretation of the Art&VR Gallery exhibition, complete with the original scenography. Using Unity, we've recreated the entire set design, with Julien Lomet lending a hand with 3D modeling of the chapel, and artists providing 3D elements of their works. The team has creatively interpreted these elements to craft an exciting new exhibition.
The first phase of this virtual exhibition will be unveiled from April 22nd to 24th. It will be presented as videos, with a web integration in the works. On the Recto VRso site, you can click a button to open a simplified version of the virtual exhibition in Unity, ready for you to explore! The ultimate goal is to provide a virtual reality experience that will be exhibited in 2021.
The program for this virtual edition is packed!
We're not just offering virtual artworks and networking opportunities; we're also hosting a series of conferences on the theme of art in our dedicated theater within VirBELA. On April 22nd, Judith Guez will present Recto VRso, discuss current events, and delve into the presentation of virtual reality artworks in a virtual setting. VRHAM festival will share their pandemic-era rehabilitations, and Joris Weijdom will lead discussions on the creation of virtual works, featuring artists from Recto VRso.
On April 23rd, Julie Walsh, an American curator, will facilitate a discussion session on virtualization in art. Last but not least, Suzanne Beer, artist-philosopher, will present her book on virtual museums.
A new chapter in virtual reality artistic creation is unfolding.
Judith Guez's research centered around the "mise en abyme," dives, and the immersive nature of art. With the virtual world, this exploration takes a quantum leap. The objective is to immerse viewers deeper into the wonders and imaginations of the artworks.
How are the artists reacting to this virtual shift?
Feedback from artists has been overwhelmingly positive. Some artists appreciate the swift transition and the opportunity to showcase their work in a virtual format. The virtual exhibition may also aid in the distribution and presentation of works, and potentially facilitate multi-user visits and meetings. This virtual event is set to open new doors for artists!
Industry Insights:
When it comes to virtual art and digital culture festivals in 2020, immersive online galleries, live and on-demand sessions, networking areas, and expert discussions are common features. Virtual festivals offered 360° and interactive experiences, curator-led tours, and social media integration. These festivals, like Recto VRso, emphasized accessibility, affordability, and extended programming during the pandemic era. However, the exact details of Recto VRso's virtual edition are not currently available.
The virtual Recto VRso edition in 2020 presents a home-and-garden for art-lovers, offering a digital reinterpretation of the Art&VR Gallery exhibition, complete with a 4-story building in the World website, showcasing artwork, artist presentations, videos, and discussions on art in a virtual reality setting (technology, artificial-intelligence). This new reality for Recto VRso continues to push artistic boundaries, providing an immersive experience that immerses viewers deeper into the wonders and imaginations of the artworks (lifestyle, art, virtual reality).
