Martina Martian 'Home' Virtual Art show gallery instagram

Image supplied by Martina Martian (Instagram @martinamartian)

Beat the lockdown blues with ‘Home – The Virtual Art Show’

‘Home – The Virtual Art Show’ is an online gallery experience created by AR artist and illustrator Martina Martian, and features ten global artists. Here’s how to get your art fix while stuck in isolation.

Martina Martian 'Home' Virtual Art show gallery instagram

Image supplied by Martina Martian (Instagram @martinamartian)

The options available to artists – visual and otherwise – for performing and displaying their work has changed almost overnight. The art scene is uniquely affected by worldwide restrictions on public gatherings.

The result has been that a lot of artists have had to adapt rapidly. Creatives have flocked online, using technology such as augmented reality (AR) to innovate and connect with their audiences.

“Being stuck at home doesn’t mean that creativity is cancelled”.

Martina Martian, AR artist, illustrator and designer.

Why do we need virtual art shows?

In the absence of physical gatherings, artists like Martina Martian are creating online art exhibitions. These exhibitions re-create some of the magic of wandering around a local art exhibition.

art shows project martina martian social distance
Image via www.martinamartian.com

Not only do you get to be part of a unique experience, you also get the opportunity to do it with your friends – virtually, of course – while discovering artists and engaging with their work.

Martina’s exhibition re-imagines the independent art scene in a world under quarantine; a world where social distancing and isolation is the norm, and where the lack of human contact has left many of us feeling out of sorts.

‘Home’ – The Virtual Art Show: What you need to know

‘Home’ – The Virtual Art Show is Martina Martian’s latest project. The show features work from 10 global artists: Laura Brouwers, Adam J Kurtz, Robin Eisenberg, Grace Miceli, Holly St Clair, Pink Bits, Hazel Mead, Shuturp, Samantha Rothenberg, Marylou Faure, and of course, Martina herself.

Martina Martian 'Home' Virtual Art show gallery instagram
Image supplied by Martina Martian (Instagram @martinamartian)

‘Home’ – The Virtual Art Show is not only a fun experience for those of us who are stuck in isolation at the moment. Oh no, it’s so much more. It’s the future.

Virtual experiences like Martina’s show us what the future for the creative scene might look like, not only under quarantine but also after. The world is changing, yes, but we will always have our creativity.

If Martina’s journey as an artist has taught me anything, it’s that we will always innovate and push boundaries. We will always look for inspiration and continue to inspire others while finding our own strength to push on to greater heights.

‘Home’ – The Virtual Art Show: When and where

The virtual exhibition, aptly titled Home, runs from 1 to 8 May 2020. The show can be accessed online via mobile, desktop and VR (virtual reality) headset.

Martina Martian 'Home' Virtual Art show gallery instagram
Image supplied by Martina Martian (Instagram @martinamartian)

Those attending the exhibition will be able to take a virtual walk through the art gallery with a maximum of 50 other attendees at any given time. Martina explains:

“This is the start of seeing more virtual art exhibitions from artists around the world. Attending events by artists from our own communities is an important experience that we shouldn’t have to miss out on due to quarantine”.

You will also be able to enjoy the sounds of London DJ Yemisul as you explore the gallery. The virtual exhibition can be accessed by visiting Martina Martian’s virtual art show page and joining via the ENTER ART GALLERY link.

Scenes From Isolation Project

If you’re longing for more, Martina also created a photography project to show that life goes on, regardless of being under lockdown or in self-isolation.

It’s a collaborative project in which individuals from around the world document and share their every-day isolated lives. Selected recipients in the first round received a limited-edition single-use camera, designed by Martina.

“This camera will act as a little time capsule for this strange, historic time and ask us to reframe/rethink isolation as something worth documenting, rather than our lives being put on hold. What makes a moment worth documenting? What would you choose to document from isolation, if you only had 27 shots? Why?”

Martina Martian, Instagram, 20 April.

The first round is already underway, but if you would like to be part of round two, simply sign up here. Also, follow Martina’s Instagram page @martinamartian for updates.

scenes from isolation project
Image via www.martinamartian.com

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