For centuries, artists have maintained a symbiotic relationship with the materials they use. The technological advancements of the 20th century, combined with artists’ creative experimentation, have resulted in a diversity of art forms unparalleled in human history. According to Albi, two of the most significant developments of this period are the invention of acrylic paint and the emergence of digital technology.

Reality to Virtual Reality is grounded in two central considerations. First, how is the subject matter of artwork affected by technological developments? Second, how do new art forms embody the continuity – or evolution – of imagery? This multimedia exhibition features a suite of four abstract paintings inspired by organic forms, a Digital Abstraction video work, and an immersive virtual reality experience.

The works exemplify the transfer of visual content from one medium to another. Abstract colour elements from the paintings are extracted, manipulated, and combined with an assortment of objects and materials that come alive in the video works. These videos are further transformed into an immersive environment that can only be experienced through a VR headset. A Meta Quest 3 headset is used for this presentation.

The paintings and videos offer a traditional viewing experience: familiar art forms that can be shared by multiple viewers simultaneously. In contrast, the VR work represents a new visual art form presented within a fully immersive environment, offering a singular, individual experience viewable by one person at a time.