Blog Post 2 | (Medium specificity in the digital age Q2).

For the second blog post I wanted to answer the second question in which we were to select a media object and analyse it through the lenses of medium specificity and gesamtkunstwerk. Can it be considered a total work of art? Does it share any features with gesamtkunstwerk? Is this a positive or a negative thing? Why? Do you think that its specific medium has affected creative choices? Would it look different if it was created with different tools? How so? And what would be the implications of such changes?

Projection mapping is something that has revolutionized installation art. The technology itself is being in films. The Mandalorian was the first to use this and The Batman improved on this. The way it works is, an environment is created through projectors, which gives an illusion of you being actually in the situation.

A notable example would be the Van Gogh Immersive Experiences in London and US. They are operated by various companies and have converted over 100 of his paintings into a digital projection. The projection is not just a still image but is an animated collage and with immersive music, it feels as if you have stepped inside his paintings.

From the Starry night to wheatfield with crows all are there to experience. I think this a better way to expand the reach of an artist’s work to a whole different group. Though I would recommend going to the museum and seeing the actual one physically but with technology like this you could really feel the colours and compositions come to life and could spend hours gawking at the artwork. This would save time, away from rushes in museums plus a place to spend the day with friends and family.

Installation view of *Immersive Van Gogh*. Image courtesy Immersive Van Gogh.

Yes, I do consider this medium to be a total work of art as it is an amalgamation of different forms of art. That being it is a collaboration between different artists e.g. illustrators, graphic designers, programmers, curators and musicians.

Installation view of *Beyond Van Gogh* Image courtesy Beyond Van Gogh.

The other way to do it would be to use LED screens (which would be costly venture) known as Virtual Production. Although it would also require a collaboration form people of vastly different field e.g. designers, concept artists, 3D illustrator, colouring artist, VR, technicians etc.