Monday, January 28th, 2008...7:10 am
Virtual Museum vs. “The Real Thing”
By Sarah
Due to growing technology today, our “virtual world” has expanded considerably. Virtual art museums have even been invented and are circulating on the web. These “museums” have 3D buildings that contain art from many collections all in one place. One of these includes: http://muva.elpais.com.uy/. There is underlying controversy however, about the lack of the “art experience” that comes with viewing art online, as opposed to standing in front of the “real thing.” Some people who claim they are
“true” art lovers say that there is a big difference between standing in font of the actual art and viewing it online. Some people argue against it saying it is for lazy people, due to the fact that you never leave your house.
The people that do like virtual museums say there are benefits to these virtual art galleries, such as beings able to view a complete biography of the artist and an analysis of their artwork. You can also avoid the crowds that may block your view of the artwork you are looking at. Another benefit to the virtual side is that you don’t have to wait in those long lines that wrap around the side of the museum. A benefit for the elderly is the fact that they can view art from the relaxed environment of their home, rather than dealing with many the hassles of the actual museums as just explained. However, the most important factor for virtual art lovers is the price. On the web, you can view that art for free, without long lines, or crowds.
My opinion is that you can “experience” art virtually. Art is subjective and different for everyone. People have their own opinions, and what seems to be art for one person may not be for another. I personally feel that virtual museums are helpful in many ways and that they are just as good as the “real thing,” and that it is just another form of expression, as all art is.
3 Comments
January 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
alright, so i think that art would not be the same if it was being viewed online, although that’s a personal opinion. i think that it takes away from the whole experience… and i am more visual.. i have to actually be there to see it right in front of me. that’s why i hate art books because - they are too boring.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:08 am
As much as I am pro-technology, I don’t think that virtual museums are the same as actually viewing the piece or art work. There are some dimensions that a virtual museum cannot provide, such as the fine details that only the real piece of art can supply. Other things only found in the real piece is texture, something a computer cannot replicate.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:09 am
i can see why people would want to go with art online because that is where everything is going. but i think it would just take away from the art itself. going to a museum is an experience and rare for some people and putting it onlin would take away from that.
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