In an effort to promote virtual reality (VR) to as wide a field as possible, HTC Vive announced back in June that its was collaborating with Tate Modern in London, UK, on an exhibition celebrating the work of artist Modigliani. The Tate has now launched its highly anticipated Modigliani exhibition ahead of the official public opening tomorrow.
Set to be the most comprehensive Modigliani (1884-1920) exhibition ever held in the UK, Tate Modern brings together a dazzling range of his iconic portraits, nudes and sculptures.
The VR experience The Ochre Atelier, is a reimagining of Modigliani’s studio in Paris, allowing visitors to see where the artist lived and worked during the final months of his life. The VR room comprises nine HTC Vive head-mount displays (HMDs), right in the centre of the exhibition, where guests can listen to narrated first-hand accounts from Modigliani’s friends and commentary from Tate’s experts. Each of the over 60 objects featured in The Ochre Atelier has been carefully researched and authentically modelled by 3D artists and modellers at Preloaded, from a packet of cigarettes to the way the windows would have opened to let in light.
Frances Morris, Director, Tate Modern said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be working with VIVE to bring a new and exciting digital experience to our visitors. We are always looking to push creative boundaries and we think this will be a fantastic opportunity to give the public a different and in-depth understanding of this much-loved artist through new technology.”
“We’re proud to be partnering with Tate Modern on the next project of our Vive Arts program, which empowers artists to create and consumers to experience art and culture in new ways with HTC Vive,” said Joel Breton, VP of Vive Studios. “Modigliani VR: The Ochre Atelier challenges the way we interpret the work and influences of an artist through virtual reality, and marks an exciting step forward for technology’s role in enriching the narrative of gallery exhibitions.”
Tate Modern’s Modigliani exhibition will be open to the public from 23rd November 2017 – 2nd April 2018. For any further updates keep reading VRFocus.