
What we’re about
3D immersive arts encompass the intersection of what have traditionally been termed "The Arts" (visual and performance arts, including aspects of the literary arts, especially as they interact with the former arts) with three-dimensional representations of objects and spaces, perhaps digitally designed and mediated, but not necessarily so, into which one can enter into and thereby become immersed.
If that introduction sounds somewhat abstract, let's consider some examples.
3D immersive art uses virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create interactive and engaging art experiences, transporting viewers into different worlds. These experiences can be interactive, allowing visitors to actively participate and explore the artwork. Some of these worlds are social, in that they are experienced together with other human and artificial sentient beings. A wonderfully entrancing example of this is A Christmas Carol VR.
3D immersive art may eschew VR and AR to achieve similar goals and effects. For example, Meow Wolf creates large-scale, interactive, and fantastical art installations, transporting visitors to alternate realities and encouraging exploration and engagement. Immersive experiences are increasingly popular museum attractions. And they often include embedded or projected technology elements.
VR/AR-based and non-VR/AR-based 3D immersive art increasingly interact. For example, Walkabout Mini Golf: Meow Wolf is a virtual reality game of mini golf inspired by Meow Wolf. In fact, after playing this version of Mini Golf, I immediately drove from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to finally experience Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return (two years after moving to New Mexico!).
Regardless of whether or not VR or AR is involved, immersive art is fundamentally a spatial experience. One is "immersed" within a three-dimensional space filled with three-dimensional objects, which may be interactive or even sentient. These objects may be digitally designed and mediated, or physically handcrafted and placed.
I am a mere hobbyist and enthusiast. I design 3D worlds and upload them to various social VR platforms. For example, I'm "Chuck Altspace" in VRChat. Search for me there and send me a friend invite! I'll show you some of my worlds. I hesitate to call them "3D Immersive Art", but that is the direction to which I aspire.
3D worlds contain 3D objects. I'm currently on my eighth 3D-printer. I love showing folks my 3D-printed "art" in person, but I also import my 3D designs into social VR to share with my friends there. So, I consider 3D printing be a form of 3D immersive art. Therefore, my interest is also in 3D objects as art, especially those that can, or are intended to, be placed into immersive settings. This 3D art may be physically handmade and scanned, or the product of 3D platforms such as 3D printing, 3D modeling, and animation software.
Please consider joining our sibling Meetup groups!
- VR New Mexico (meetup.com/vr-newmexico)
- Spatial Computing (meetup.com/spatial)