Ready, Set, Art
This past year has transported me to rhapsodic daydreams, where I’d long for cultural experiences with family and friends. Fond memories reel through my mind, reminding me of an afternoon admiring the gorgeous collections at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, after which we’d sit in the courtyard, bordered with ravishing pink and purple hydrangeas.
Or perhaps, a morning getting lost in the 1797 bookshop Hatchard’s, whilst looking for inspiring reads or antiquarian books. At times, we’d end up in a glamorous hotel, with a pianist playing away dreamily, as we’d relish a sumptuous afternoon tea. Indeed, the arts can do wonders for our souls, an excursion I dearly miss amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The art sector has explored novel ways of connecting with aficionados using digital technology. In the past year, we’ve been spoilt for choice as the art world has migrated to online platforms, enabling us to enjoy virtual museum tours, digital audiobooks, and livestream performances. Artists are exploring interactive ways to engage with their audiences through group classes, podcasts, and blogs. The UAE’s art scene has especially dazzled us with its spectrum of offerings.
Many famous opera houses around the world have been streaming their renowned performances online for free, such as Dubai Opera, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Opéra National de Paris. Their websites include short opera guides for newcomers, in addition to articles, podcasts, and interviews reflecting on these exquisite masterpieces.
Project Gutenberg is a bibliophile’s treasure trove and holds a collection of over 60,000 free eBooks, encompassing classics, history, crime fiction, and children’s books. For those who love to listen to a good story, tune in to Audible by Amazon and access an engaging collection of free audiobooks.
Many museums and art galleries have continued to enlighten audiences with their digital presence. For example, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website includes digital guides on artworks, arts and crafts ideas, and musical playlists to transport you to another world. Abu Dhabi Art launched its 2020 edition as a virtual fair, showcasing 68 galleries and over 200 artists, in addition to broadcasting live-stream interviews with art luminaries.
Google Arts & Culture is another sophisticated gem, featuring treasured collections from over 2,000 leading museums on its digital platform. At a whim, art aficionados can find themselves touring famous museums virtually, such as the National Gallery in London, Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris. The site also has a collection of gorgeous editorial pieces on iconic artists, artistic movements, and themes for those with a keen eye for the aesthetic world.
There are many artists who are using social media to share their creative journeys. For instance, a number of watercolor artists are posting step-by-step tutorials of starry aurora nights, natural landscapes, and botanical splendor on their YouTube channels.
The art world has done a marvelous job in casting its digital webs around our souls. Yet, there’s something magical about admiring any work of art in person, witnessing an artist at play, serendipitous encounters with enthusiasts, and conversations that flow. As events slowly make their way back to our physical world, we can take a moment to appreciate their sublimity. For example, Art Dubai’s 2021 program unfolded at the Dubai International Financial Center, in keeping with COVID-19 safety measures.
The digital arts have been a delightful escapade during our time in solitude, serving as daydreams to enliven the fantasist in us, as we eagerly await their physical abodes.
Published in Villa 88 magazine’s April 2021 issue.
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