“It’s a trick on consciousness” – Antony Gormley on virtual reality

Published 13 December 2017

To celebrate our From Life exhibition, filmmakers followed artists and architects including Antony Gormley, Farshid Moussavi, Yinka Shonibare and Humphrey Ocean as they experimented with virtual reality in their practices. Watch five clips from the documentary here.

  • These clips are part of a documentary by Factory 42 titled Royal Academy: Painting the Future, first broadcast at 9pm on 13 December 2017 on Sky Arts. The full documentary is available after broadcast on Sky’s Catch Up TV.

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    Antony Gormley RA considers the possibilities of VR

    The artist muses on the potential of both VR and meditation in freeing the mind.

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    Yinka Shonibare RA shares the thoughts behind his new VR work

    The artist has been exploring innovative ways of seeing the Roman goddess Venus in a multicultural virtual reality.

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    Humphrey Ocean recalls learning to draw from punk rocker Ian Dury

    The artist learnt to properly observe nipples and noses when he was taught by the soon-to-be Blockhead (and art school teacher).

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    Farshid Moussavi explains the power of virtual architecture

    The international architect rejoices in the opportunity to explore her designs in life-size virtual reality.

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    Artists and technology in the 15th century

    Centuries before virtual reality, artists were using a clever combination of mirrors and light to open up the possibilities of art.

    • Chantal Joffe RA, Self-Portrait Naked in Garden

      From Life

      11 December 2017 – 11 March 2018

      This exhibition looks to the past, present and future of the artistic process of life drawing – from the 18th century Academy to tomorrow’s innovations in virtual reality. What does it means to make art from life? How do artists today observe and represent bodies? How is the practice evolving as technology opens up new ways of making and seeing?