The art of the experience: Facilitating a deeper relationship between artwork and participant through nonvicarious art and art experiences

Abstract

This article examines the growing number of art experiences and experiential artworks, and the larger role they will be playing in the field of contemporary art moving forward. Art experiences and immersive art events have begun to grow in number and popularity with the backing of innovative new technologies and the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into this specific sector of the art market. These experiences and events allow for people from different demographics to build a relationship with art – both of the past and present – and are reimagining the ways in which art can be better accessed and enjoyed by a broader audience than traditional museums. Experiential art pushes against the antiquated definitions and restrictions of the art world to create a deeper and more personal connection with the audience – which should perhaps more aptly be referred to as participants. While not all art fans are willing to submit their bodies or minds to the will of the artist, experiential works offer an interpersonal connection that leaves the participant with the souvenir of vivid and personal connections to works of art.