Bringing Bosch alive through multimedia

Abstract

When one talks about “digital art” there are a great number of very different manifestations that could potentially fall into this category. One of the first things to keep in mind is the fact that as a term “digital art” does not refer to any particular style or aesthetic, thus the great variety. Much rather it is a medium through which artists choose to present their ideas. However as with all things digital, this can take on a lot of different facets, the digital turn has provided not only the opportunity for art archival and dissemination, but also as an extensive creative tool whose only limit lies in the imagination and/or technical skill of the author. To put it simply, digital art can range from works created entirely with the use of a computer and software, to alteration done with the help of the digital medium. It can include appropriation of other classical works that receive new life and meaning through this approach. Included in this last category there has been a sharp increase in the number of truly delightful projects, one of which includes a mesmerizing stroll through Salvador Dali’s surrealist paintings. In Dreams of Dali, the viewers get to be in a virtual reality and “walk” around the deserted and bizarre landscape, passing underneath the spindly legs of Dali’s signature elephants. The full virtual reality experience can be accessed at the Dali museum of Saint Petersburg, Florida, or is downloadable as an app for the users of HTC Vive or Oculus Rift for the modicum price of $2.99, but a linear 360º version – a panoramic video – is available online for anyone.[1] This new manner of interacting with the works of the famous surrealist engages the viewer in an entirely different way – and dare I say perhaps even a more enjoyable one?