If we take a look at the art world before the pandemic, we see a lot of resistance to developing digital exhibitions. The technology was there. People even tried it from time to time. But almost everyone in the industry still thought in terms of getting people and art into the same physical space.
But the pandemic changes all that. To survive, the art world had to pivot to the digital realm. Like so many other features of our lives, art had to adapt to survive.
Of course, nothing replaces in-person live exhibits. But what we are finding is that digital exhibits have many great features, and they will likely continue long after the pandemic is over. The main benefit is that they are open to so many more people around the world. On top of that, the costs can be relatively low, meaning more artists getting more work out into the world. These positives make the future of digital exhibitions an exciting trend to keep an eye on.
The Visual Artists Association (VAA) International Online Art Exhibition 2021 has shown just how amazing a digital exhibit can be, and I'm excited to be part of it. It promises to be one of the best online art exhibitions in the world.
My History with VAA
Not being able to travel during the pandemic was difficult for me. Exploring the streets of new cities is the core of my creative process. My photography captures the act of discovery. But without the ability to visit new cities, my practice was drifting.
Because I couldn't go out and explore, I decided it was a good time to educate myself further. I'm a self-taught artist, and so I had a lot of curiosity about other ways to do what I do.
That's why I joined VAA in mid-2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown. VAA's understanding of the artist's life drew me to them immediately. They reject the romantic idea of the "impoverished artist" and instead, they look to help artist thrive. They work with artists at every stage in their career, building new business channels and giving incredible guidance.
VAA members come from all kinds of artistic disciplines, including; painting, sculpting, photography, ceramics and many more. It's a great association doing meaningful work. And with their new foray into online art exhibitions, they are helping to strike a new path forward for the art world.
The VAA International Online Art Exhibition 2021
The VAA International Online Art Exhibition 2021 transports art lovers across five virtual gallery spaces. It takes advantage of the ArtSteps app (available in Google Play and the App store). Users can take a 3D virtual tour of these five galleries, viewing the works of 200 VAA artists.
Users can also engage other featured members in conversation. They can even purchase artwork that they fall in love with. It's everything that you could want in an art exhibit.
It's an ambitious digital exhibition, one that strives to bring you right into the gallery from the comfort and safety of your home. With so many features and a jaw-dropping line up of art, it's a must-see experience.
My Submission: Chaotic
Chaotic is my entry in the VAA International Online Art Exhibition 2021. This is an abstract photography taken of the famous metal globe sculpture at Columbus Circle in New York City. The shifting forms and resplendent colour remind me of the city itself. Bits of words and images from the city can be seen on the varied surface, giving an impression of New York as it really is -- a chaotic centre of the human experience.
This photograph is available in a limited edition run of 20. It comes with a signed certificate of authenticity (CoA) on textured cotton rag, with 42 x 59.4 cm (A2) dimensions. You can view it in Gallery Room 1 in the exhibition.
Exhibition Info
The VAA International Online Art Exhibition 2021 runs from April 13th to June 30th, 2021.
There is art available for purchase in a wide variety of styles, with options for every budget
You can also vote for your favourite artist, just make sure to vote before the poll closes on June 20th. The winning artist receives £250 to help fund new works.
Visit the exhibition here
 | About MePhotographer and visual storyteller based in BangkokBRYCE Watanasoponwong is a Thai-Australian photographer and visual storyteller. He is interested in producing a narrative series that evoke emotion and make a personal impact. Becoming more involved in how is photography is... read on |
