Bodily Absence

Abstract

As restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic shaped a new reality in March 2020, virtual exhibitions became a powerful tool for museums and galleries to continue their public role and an excellent platform for artists to communicate their work to audiences. This paper examines how the viewer’s physical absence could add a factor to the loss of aesthetics and the experience of two-dimensional artworks when digitally delivered. The viewer’s body is analysed through philosophical theories of perception through movement as a contributing factor in experiencing two-dimensional artworks. The paper examines space, movement, and distance, which connect perception to one’s body in designing and delivering the most common 2D and 3D-360° virtual exhibition presentations. The paper examines participants’ interaction with the artworks based on recent research about how audiences experience online exhibitions during the pandemic. It discusses how the role of the viewer–visitor may change to that of just a user.