Abstract
This paper explores the transformative impact of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies on the performing and visual arts. It examines how these digital innovations redefine artistic practices, audience engagement, and introduce complex ethical and aesthetic considerations. The study draws on theoretical insights from McLuhan (1964) and Manovich (2001), and phenomenological perspectives by Merleau-Ponty (1962), alongside interviews with AR and VR experts in the music and dance domains. This study illustrates the shifts in the canvas of artistic expression and the embodied experience of art facilitated by these technologies. AR and VR technologies enable immersive environments that extend beyond traditional spatial and temporal boundaries, integrating real-world elements into virtual spaces and offering tactile, immersive experiences. Furthermore, the dynamics of audience engagement are redefined through participatory and interactive experiences, challenging conventional notions of spectatorship and fostering a communal culture in the arts, as outlined by Jenkins (2006) and Bourriaud (2002). Ethical and aesthetic considerations, highlighted by Baudrillard (1994) and Heidegger (1977), raise questions about the authenticity, value, and meaning of art in the digital age, emphasizing the need for responsible use of these technologies. This paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of AR and VR's roles in shaping contemporary artistic practices, suggesting a critical reevaluation of how digital technologies influence the arts landscape.
Author Information
Sukanya Basu Mallik, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India
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