I've decided to revise my Unit 1 project because I feel I've grown as a writer through this semester, and I want to take the new skills I learned and apply them to this project. When I first started this project, I wrote about my art encounter with the Van Gogh Immersive Experience exhibit in New York City. This exhibit was very impactful for me because it was the first exhibit I had attended where the entire experience was technology-based through installations, and the use of phones was encouraged. With those parameters in mind, I develop my argument around how technology has shifted how people interpret art, and I pose the question whether or not technology diminishes the value of art and engagement. After my submission of this assignment, I reflected on the feedback and saw that my weaknesses were in my rhetorical sourcing, and creating smooth and effective transition, in my paper. Along with developing a rigorous analysis, connecting my external source to my argument.
With these factors in mind, I decided to restructure my paper to be clear and concise in regards to the rhetorical sourcing of my argument, by making it easy for the reader to see my thoughts flowing throughout the paper. I have added a clear introduction of my art-related idea. In my body paragraph, I provided context for my argument, introduced the author of my external source clearly, and provided quotes and analysis to support my argument. In my revised project, I picked a different quote in my paper that I felt better suited my argument and was easier to understand. In this revision, I also decided to cut out unnecessary information. I reflected upon my original Unit 1 project and felt I was ‘spreading myself too thin ' and arguing too many things at once in my paper, hence making it hard for me to have a strong analysis the first time. I also focused too much on my experience and personal reflection rather than a proper analysis of my source, which I carefully paid attention to in my revision and made sure to keep precise and focus on one argument in depth.
The feedback from Unit 1 was very valuable. Not only did I acknowledge where my weaknesses were, but I also felt I was able to properly fix those weaknesses in my revision and create a strong and more comprehensive argument
In 2021, I had the opportunity to visit Van Gogh’s Immersive Experience at New York City’s Pier 36. The exhibit mesmerized me, as though I had stepped inside Van Gogh’s mind. Unlike a traditional art museum with static displays, this exhibit encouraged movement and interaction, surrounding guests with innovative projection technology developed by AV designers, bringing Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork to life. Inspired by his dreams, thoughts, and aspirations, Van Gogh's signature style, Post-Impressionism, is characterized by his vibrant use of color, thick brush strokes, and emphasis on geographic landscapes. With full accessibility to my phone during the exhibit, I found myself more focused on recording every moment instead of appreciating the art in front of me. This impulse stems from a heavy reliance on social media as it has become increasingly more a part of the younger generations' identities. Social media shifts our attention towards posting and status, creating a competitive environment where the appreciation of art is replaced with artificial validation.
The Van Gogh immersive experience redefines how we engage art, blending technology and storytelling by showcasing over 300 pieces of artwork projected onto the walls. The most eye-catching of these pieces are “The Starry Night", “Sunflowers”, and “Cafe Terrace at Night.” Van Gogh is often referred to as a “tortured artist.” Van Gogh suffered from mental illness. This struggle profoundly impacted his work and his art pieces, evoking emotions of anxiety, suffering, hope, and love(thecollector.com). All these emotions come to life as guests move through the warmly lit projected walls and a delicate blend of light, color, and sound. But as technology is meant to enhance the user's experience, it also raises a critical question: does technology enhance our connection to art, or distract us from it?
In today’s technologically driven society, innovation, economic growth, and development have been significantly shaped by the efficiency of modern technology. Beyond these benefits, however, technology has deeply embedded itself into our everyday behaviors, especially how people engage with art and culture. Kate Mondloch, a contemporary art historian at the University of Oregon, explores how new technologies reshape spectatorship. Mondloch argues that the presence of social media has shifted our priorities, as the impulse to document and share often overshadows direct artistic engagement and purpose. Mondloch reflects on this idea and states, “It is no exaggeration to say that the omnipresence of digital devices and the pervasiveness of social media sharing have transformed how we see and experience the world. Art-themed immersive exhibition experiences are no exception. Indeed, I will go so far as to propose that 21st-century art and spectatorship are now invariably informed by our 24/7 habitual attention, distraction, and sharing across various screens and social media platforms” (Mondloch). Mondloch’s argument further solidifies the connection between what we see, interpret, and interact with art today cannot be separated from our digital tendencies to post on social media. Mondloch articulates that the shift from authentic appreciation of art to performance-driven interaction is due to the presence of technology. She further explores this concept, explaining that user-generated images posted online further confirm this interpretation, “they routinely foreground their individualized experiences within the multimedia environment over and above the Van Gogh-themed imagery or objects themselves”(Mondloch). Mondloch critiques how technology can diminish the focus on Van Gogh’s artwork, contributing to a culture of passive consumption. Instead of fully engaging with the art, visitors become more concerned with documenting their experience and sharing it to improve their status and validation.
Van Gogh’s artwork is remarkable in its ability to evoke a raw emotional connection from its viewers. Yet, in the 21st century, social media status has grown to take priority, and many viewers have forgotten the appreciation of art in favor of curating a post for their online audiences. This shift in behavior reflects a lack of self-awareness and highlights the immense influence of technology. While technology has been used as an outlet for people to share their experiences and spread awareness on art exhibits, its value diminishes when it replaces authentic engagement with art for social validation. My experience at the Van Gogh exhibit revealed the blurred relationship between technology enhancing our interaction with art and detracting from its intended experience. I saw in my own actions, I was entirely focused on curating the “perfect post,” capturing the most “aesthetic” images with varieties of colorful backgrounds and carefully planned poses to share with my social media followers. Being so invested in my online presence, I had foregone the genuine connection with the artwork. The next time you visit an art gallery or museum, remind yourself that art is meant to be experienced and felt, beyond the lens of social media. Let it be a moment of genuine connection rather than content for your feed.
Works cited
Mondloch, Kate. "The Influencers: Van Gogh Immersive Experiences and the Attention-Experience Economy." Arts 11.5 (2022): 90. ProQuest. Web. 8 Feb. 2025.