Virtual Exhibitions Gain Ground as Pandemic Lockdowns Reshape Art World

The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the transition to online exhibitions, prompting galleries such as White Cube in London to offer both in-person and virtual displays amid decreased sales and lockdown measures. While digital formats provide convenience, they often diminish the overall viewing experience. Initial online exhibitions utilized 3D presentations to facilitate virtual exploration. Critics assess shows that are only accessible through screens, and publications emphasize these critiques without acknowledging the absence of tactile interaction. After reading a review, the author reflects on their experience browsing an online exhibition, recognizing the collective digital engagement. Vincent Fecteau exhibited at Buchholz in Berlin. Concerns emerge regarding younger generations adapting to subpar digital experiences and the implications for future aesthetics and competition among galleries in virtual environments.