Collaboratively exploring Visual Art through Social VR

Highlighting the intersection of visual art and technology, this project reflects the potential of Human-Computer Interaction to increase social impact. Developed in Resonite, an innovative Social Virtual Reality platform, the digital exhibition used in this project extends the one displayed at the Rembrandt House Museum (Amsterdam), ‘HERE: Black in Rembrandt’s Time’. In this digital version, multiple 17th century and contemporary artworks are on display, and multiple users can interact with each other and with the environment whilst exploring these artworks.

The digital art exhibition within Resonite thus fosters a multi-user museum experience, where real-time interactions and collaboration are key factors in learning about the displayed artworks. To this end, we designed and implemented various types of interactions. Through a prop-hunt-based information exploration system, users are constantly encouraged to interact and explore, uncovering details about materials, objects, and history of paintings from Rembrandt’s time.

Following social principles, this project incorporates riddle-based exploration, fostering an immersive and enjoyable learning experience. Additionally, the custom choice of in-game avatars increases personal touch, empowering users to express their unique identities. Collaboration between users is facilitated by an in-game voice chat, and users can join the exhibition remotely from anywhere, thereby making art and culture more accessible.

Based, in this case, on a recent exhibition with a high and international social impact, our project builds bridges between art, culture, and technology, establishing a global space for meaningful interactions. First encounters with student and domain expert users provided feedback that highlights individual differences in appreciation of visiting such an exhibition together and whether it can cultivate a deeper connection between individuals and the represented artworks.