Unveiling The Ethereal Aether
The Russian State Hermitage Museum has taken a bold leap into the digital realm with its inaugural fully-virtual exhibition titled The Ethereal Aether. This innovative showcase dives into the fascinating world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), solidifying the Hermitage’s commitment to staying at the forefront of contemporary art trends.
Art and Economics: A Delicate Balancing Act
In a refreshing departure from the norm, the Hermitage’s exhibition places a greater emphasis on the intrinsic value of art rather than its market price. Dimitri Ozerkov, the director of contemporary art at the Hermitage, emphasized, “The cost of art is secondary to its value.” The park may be free, but those who visit will get an all-access pass to the digital experience without the burden of spending their hard-earned cash.
What to Expect in the Metaverse
Visitors to the exhibition can navigate a virtual representation of the iconic Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, cleverly dubbed the ‘celestial hermitage.’ Attendees will don their digital avatars while exploring the ethereal space through PCs, smartphones, virtual reality glasses, and possibly even a potato with a strong enough Wi-Fi signal.
A Curated Selection
Rather than open up the floor for artist applications, the curators took on the task of selecting the displayed works to ensure a coherent thematic experience. Garnova stated, “Selection by curators is crucial for a museum exhibition, as it makes it more integral in terms of topics and chapters.” The result? A collection of 37 pieces that take residence in the virtual halls, including Schrödinger’s Cat from the beloved digital game CryptoKitties.
Community and Interaction
The collaborative effort between augmented reality startups and seasoned industry players highlights the importance of socialization within this digital exhibition. Ivan Puzyrev of Arhead.io commented on the interactive nature of the project, noting that the goal was to create a shared experience where participants could engage, laugh, and perhaps trip over the digital pixels of surreal landscapes.
The Future of Art in the Digital Landscape
As we see the merging of traditional art institutions with avant-garde digital innovation, Nadia Taiga, executive director from the art production platform Snark.art, encapsulates the spirit of change: “If a year ago we could just predict that museums would digitize their collections, now, it’s already reality.” Indeed, The Ethereal Aether stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of art appreciation in this brave new world.
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