[The following content is provided by the Hong Kong Design Institute]

 

The project was significantly influenced by the contributions of the Musée d'Orsay, particularly through the invaluable support of its Scientific Curators, Sylvie Patry and Anne Robbins. Their expertise was crucial in maintaining the historical integrity and authenticity of the experience. They assisted in crafting the narrative, ensuring that the timeline was precise, and shared vivid descriptions of the artists and the Parisian streets during that era. This partnership underscores the extensive research and meticulous attention to detail that form the foundation of the project.

 

“Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality” is on exhibit till 11 May, 2025  

 

Redefining the Narrative of the Exhibition

This exhibition marks the fourth global immersive adventure created and developed by Excurio, designed around a specific narrative syntax. The average story length is 45 minutes, and Guerriero reveals, "The narrative itself is based on three pillars: knowledge, emotion, and bodily experience. Each immersive adventure focuses on providing historical and scientific information through an original story that blends adventure, wonder, and entertainment." Additionally, Garaudel adds, "This new experience navigates between documentary and historical fiction, aiming to faithfully present the historical moments of the Impressionist exhibition. The narrative is guided by a fictional character, Rose, who accompanies the audience into Nadar's studio, allowing them to feel the artistic atmosphere of that era."

 

When discussing how to redefine the narrative of the exhibition, Guerriero states, "Like all immersive adventures, the most important aspect is that the audience can experience 'body-immersion' in the present environment. After all, the narrative also plays a crucial role in guiding the audience to move between various locations, each with a unique layout. For instance, sometimes they must crouch or navigate narrow paths, providing a 360-degree view that allows visitors to explore and observe their surroundings freely." To present a more realistic effect, Guerriero continues, "The starting point of 'Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality' is the first Impressionist exhibition, held 150 years ago in Nadar's studio in Paris. However, the extraordinary capabilities of virtual reality transport visitors to the birthplace of this art movement. Audiences will be teleported to the salon, then to the studio of painter Frédéric Bazille, followed by the shared workspace of Monet and Renoir, and finally to Le Havre, where they will have a rare opportunity to closely admire Monet creating his famous painting, 'Impression, Sunrise'."

 

Design Philosophy of the Immersive Experience

It is evident that the exhibition is not merely about observing history; it allows the audience to become part of it. Garaudel emphasizes, "The technology of VR enables audiences to explore different locations and interact with artists. This immersive experience allows participants to almost genuinely feel the creative energy of the Impressionists, prompting reflection on their own experiences with art appreciation. In contrast to the past, when one could only linger in galleries trying to understand the emotional world of the artist through their works, this exhibition allows visitors to truly become part of that history."

 

Guerriero adds that the design format of the immersive exhibition provides historical information and evokes emotions through adventurous and surprising stories. Different design concepts highlight the charm of art but also deepen understanding of history.

 

During the interview, the enthusiasm and commitment of both Garaudel and Guerriero were most palpable. Guerriero mentioned the "free-roaming" mode of the exhibition, which allows audiences to explore a vast space freely. Each scene offers a 360-degree perspective, enabling viewers to navigate according to their interests — something traditional exhibitions cannot provide. This innovative approach encourages active participation, prompting visitors to engage with the art and its context in a way that passive viewing simply cannot achieve. The exhibition also spurs meditation on how modern technology is transforming our interaction with art. The traditional static display of artworks often limits engagement, whereas this immersive experience invites audiences to forge their own paths through the exhibition, encouraging exploration and discovery.

 

Sound design plays a crucial role in the exhibition as well. Garaudel remarks, "Sound design enhances the authenticity of the story and guides the audiences' attention, creating moments of surprise." The careful integration of soundscapes — whether it be the bustling sounds of a Parisian street, the subtle rustle of paintbrushes, or the ambient chatter of artists — adds layers of depth to the experience. To ensure the music seamlessly integrates with the narrative, the exhibition specifically commissioned composers to create original scores that resonate with the themes and emotions conveyed.

 

In the process of experiencing art, the absence of sound often flattens the emotional expression of the works. However, in "Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality", the incorporation of sound undoubtedly enhances the audience's immersion, enriching the sensory experience whilst rendering the historical context and emotional layers of the artworks three-dimensional. This multifaceted approach to storytelling ensures that the audiences leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the impressionist movement.

 

The 42-minute long VR experience will bring visitors on a journey to explore the origins and influences of the Impressionist art movement. 

 

Analysis of Audience Behaviour and Future Prospects

Garaudel explains that an audience analysis follows each exhibition, which is vital for future design and enhancing the audience experience. In today's digital age, audience feedback and behavioural data provide invaluable insights for improving exhibitions. Guerriero emphasises that these insights both influence the visual and narrative elements of the design as well as help to better meet audience expectations.

 

This commitment to understanding audience behaviour is crucial in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. As art consumption habits change, it is essential for cultural institutions to adapt and innovate. The data collected from audience interactions can inform every aspect of exhibitions from layout to marketing strategies, ensuring that future exhibitions resonate with a diverse audience.

 

Looking to the future, Garaudel believes that VR technology will rapidly evolve, further enriching the sensory experience of exhibitions. She anticipates that with technological advancements, storytelling will become more dynamic and personalised, presenting a significant opportunity for cultural institutions. This could lead to exhibitions tailored to individual preferences, making art more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

 

However, both Garaudel and Guerriero note that the boundaries between art and technology are becoming increasingly blurred. Garaudel remarks, "This fusion offers artists the possibility to explore innovative forms of expression." In this new paradigm, artists can collaborate with technologists, resulting in artworks that challenge traditional forms and push the boundaries of creativity. Guerriero also highlights that technology is not merely a technical tool but also a means of broadening cultural outreach. It allows for new engagement methods, reaching audiences who may not typically visit galleries or museums.

 

In an increasingly digital world, maintaining the purity of art while continuously innovating has become a crucial challenge for artists and cultural institutions. The success of this exhibition demonstrates the fruit of integrating art and technology, and the immersive experience  is bound to attract more audiences to the world of art.

 

Sustainability and Design Principles

In today's society, sustainability has become a key issue across various industries. Garaudel explains how her team has incorporated sustainable design principles into the exhibition by reducing material footprints through the use of VR and striving to recycle materials used for VR tracking. This commitment to sustainability is particularly commendable, as the cultural sector often grapples with the environmental impact of exhibitions, from installation to dismantling.

 

By leveraging VR technology, the exhibition minimises the need for physical materials, reduces waste, and lowers overall carbon emissions. Moreover, the team has made concerted efforts to use eco-friendly materials whenever possible, demonstrating that innovation does not have to come at the expense of environmental responsibility. This holistic approach to design ensures that the exhibition aligns with contemporary values, appealing to an audience increasingly concerned with sustainability.

 

More than a visual feat, "Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality" is a journey into the audience's psyche. Through this immersive experience, viewers can traverse time and space, experiencing the creative processes and emotional worlds of impressionist artists. This journey encourages visitors to reflect on their relationship with art, prompting questions about the role of creativity in their own lives.

 

 The 42-minute long VR experience will bring visitors on a journey to explore the origins and influences of the Impressionist art movement.

 

Furthermore, the exhibition provides valuable references for future cultural experiences. As art and technology converge, immersive experiences are becoming the mainstream, continually redefining the boundaries of art. Given this trend, Garaudel and Guerriero look forward to seeing more similar exhibitions emerge, inviting more people to step into the world of art and experience the allure of creativity.

 

Ultimately, "Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality" stands as a testament to the potential of immersive experiences in the cultural sector. By integrating narrative, technology, and sustainability, the exhibition honours the legacy of the impressionists whilst paving the way for the future of art exhibitions. As we explore the intersection of art and technology, we can anticipate a new era of cultural engagement that enriches our understanding and appreciation of the artistic landscape.

 

"Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 – An Immersive Expedition in Virtual Reality" runs from now until 11 May 2025 at Hong Kong Design Institute.

 

Exhibition Details:

Exhibition Dates:	Now till 11 May, 2025
Opening Hours:	10 AM—8 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) 19 visiting sessions everyday
Address:	Hong Kong Design Institute 3 King Ling Road, Tiu Keng Leng Tseung Kwan O, New Territories (Tiu King Ling MTR Station Exit A2)
Languages:	Cantonese, Putonghua, English, French
Entrance Fee:	$80 (No cancellations or refunds available) Children must be 8+ years old with a minimum height of 4’6” (137cm)
Ticketing Website:	Klook
Website:	https://hkdi.edu.hk/en/hkdi_gallery/exhibition/paris1874vr