Nancy Baker is a digital artist who specializes in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other innovative digital art forms. Her talk provided a fascinating insight into her creative journey, especially her transition from traditional art techniques to immersive, digital mediums. Baker began her artistic career with graphite drawing, a medium she worked in for over a decade. She spoke about the immense time and dedication that went into her detailed graphite pieces, some of which took years to complete. However, a pivotal moment in her artistic development came when she destroyed her drawings to create a photogrammetry piece, marking the beginning of her shift toward digital art.
This transition continued as Baker began experimenting with VR, which fundamentally altered her approach to art. She described how working in three-dimensional spaces allowed her to develop a heightened spatial awareness. Though she wasn't physically present in the virtual worlds she was creating, mentally, she became fully immersed. This sense of being both physically and mentally engaged in a digital environment helped Baker push the boundaries of traditional art forms, leading her to explore new ways of visualizing and creating.
One of the most compelling aspects of Baker’s talk was her discussion of the concept of “multispace,” a term coined by Owen Hopkins. This idea refers to the collapsing of boundaries between virtual and physical spaces, where two or more realities can coexist simultaneously. For Baker, multispace is a powerful framework that enables new forms of interaction and perception. As she transitioned to VR, her understanding of 2D art shifted dramatically, as her cognition was altered by the immersive nature of digital spaces. The ability to move beyond flat surfaces and into three-dimensional, interactive worlds opened up new creative possibilities for her.
Baker also delved into the realm of AR, which allows for the overlay of digital content onto the physical world through devices like smartphones. She explained how AR enhances sensory engagement by blending the digital and physical realms, encouraging viewers to engage with the beauty of both. Through AR, Baker creates art that exists not only on a screen but in the viewer’s immediate environment, further bridging the gap between digital and physical experiences.
One of the most striking moments of Baker’s lecture was when she discussed her installation in Times Square. For three minutes, her vivid, coral-patterned artwork covered the massive digital billboards of Times Square. The piece, which appeared to breathe and pulse across the city, offered a stark contrast to the usual capitalistic advertisements that dominate the space. The idea of replacing the constant bombardment of commercial images with something that was both artistic and thought-provoking was incredibly impactful. It was a visual experience that made me reflect on the potential of digital art in public spaces and its ability to challenge societal norms.
Toward the end of the lecture, Baker was asked what makes good art. After a brief pause, she responded, "Great art haunts you." This statement resonated deeply with me. Art, in its most powerful form, leaves a lasting impression on its viewer, whether that impact is positive or negative. It stays with you, stirring emotions and thoughts long after the experience has ended. For me, this idea captures the essence of what makes art truly transformative.
Nancy Baker’s lecture was a captivating exploration of the intersection between traditional and digital art. Her work and ideas have inspired me to think more deeply about the evolving role of technology in art-making and how it can create new ways of experiencing and understanding the world around us.
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