Virtual media bridges physical isolation with exciting new experiences
To make art more accessible amid the coronavirus epidemic, the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) collaborated with the Institute For Information Industry (財團法人資訊工業策進會) and Omniguider Inc. (鴻圖股份有限公司) to launch an interactive platform for online exhibitions using 3D and VR technology. Easily connected through personal smartphones, it offers people a way of exploring culture from home.
Through this migration to a virtual-reality platform, viewers can be immersed in Hsieh Chia-heng's (謝嘉亨) magnificent rail culture world in his "Classic Generation" exhibition. Known as "the glaze magician," Hsieh is the world's first ceramic artist to mold steam locomotives and trains from clay. On display will be Hsieh's impressive portfolio of steam locomotives and trains modeled after actual Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) assets.
There are no limitations in this virtual reality environment, and viewers can explore the works from 360-degree angles. To provide a more personalized experience, Hsieh will also be leading a virtual tour, taking the viewers back in time to experience the historical trains and railroads of Taiwan.
At the same time, the "4th TJDMA World's Jewelry & Metal Design Awards" exhibition has been transferred online for the public to enjoy. By using VR microscopic technology, viewers will be able to virtually interact with the delicate pieces. For example, the top-winning work, "Silk Hearts (絲心)" by Jian Jai-hong (簡嘉宏), was an intricate design of four small spiders spinning away in the wind to start their own adventures.
NTCRI Director Hsu Keng-hsiu (許耿修) explained that the general public has been following epidemic prevention guidelines and spending less time in public places. Therefore, cultural institutions had to explore alternative digital spaces to create publicly accessible exhibitions. This new approach to VR exhibitions can engage more visitors and bring art directly to their homes.
Institute for Information Industry (III) Vice President Tsai I-chang (蔡義昌) pointed out that heartfelt art can ease the stress and anxiety caused by the epidemic, and that III aims to create more publicly accessible exhibitions. The next course of action would be to assist performing art groups to move into the digital arena, using streaming services and virtual reality, he added.
The two institutions will continue to collaborate on cultural applications of technology, foster innovative creations, and seek out new forms of art.
The digital exhibition platform launched by NTCRI and III is available at https://vm.iiiedu.org.tw.