Audio alternatives to virtual exhibitions gain traction during pandemic

During the lockdown, Patrick Langley, a writer and editor at art-agenda based in London, encountered ocular migraines that may have been caused by prolonged screen exposure from virtual exhibitions and online viewing rooms. In response, he sought out audio-based art experiences. The podcast from Serpentine Galleries, led by artist Victoria Sin and curator Lucia Pietroiusti, facilitated engaging dialogues that intertwined music, art, ecology, and art history, fostering a sense of connection amid isolation. Simon Schama's BBC Radio 4 series "The Great Gallery Tours" creatively simulated visits to renowned museums like the Courtauld and Prado through vivid storytelling, though its academic style seemed detached from current institutional challenges. Prior to the pandemic, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles featured "Omniaudience," a year-long event series by artist Nikita Gale and Triple Canopy magazine, addressing topics such as acoustic biology and Black music archives, which Gale described as "a congregation of listeners." These audio initiatives highlighted their capacity to connect dispersed audiences and enhance accessibility, especially for those with visual impairments, while alleviating the pandemic's isolating impact.