XRcamp

XRCamp ART + TECH is a program by MUD Foundation that utilizes the internet and WebXR as a medium for the exploration and creation of immersive practices at the crossroads of art and technology. XRCamp provides participants an opportunity to explore the possibilities of creating art using emerging technologies in a hands-on workshop environment.

XRCamp ART + TECH is designed for those interested in discovering the potential of digital creativity within the realm of art and technology. Throughout the program, participants will be introduced to the basic history of computers and their languages, with a focus on the history of art related to the digital revolution. The curriculum also explores the Net Art movement and examines the internet as a public space for artistic creation and expression.

The integration of XR (Extended Reality) technologies has revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with art and knowledge, opening up new possibilities for creators and learners alike. XRCamp ART + TECH places a strong emphasis on XR, specifically WebXR, as a key component of its curriculum to explore the transformative effects of immersive experiences on both artistic creation and the learning process.

XR or (Extended Reality), is an umbrella term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies. These technologies create immersive experiences by blending the digital and physical worlds.

VR (Virtual Reality) fully immerses users in a computer-generated environment, isolating them from their physical surroundings

AR (Augmented Reality) overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing users' perception of their surroundings.

MR (Mixed Reality) combines aspects of both VR and AR, allowing digital objects to interact with the real world in real-time.

The XRCamp ART + TECH program dedicates a significant portion of its curriculum to exploring the history of media and computer art, allowing participants to better understand the foundations, milestones, and evolution of these intertwined fields.

The history of computer and media art dates back to the 1960s when artists first began experimenting with emerging digital technologies. As computers became more accessible and advanced, artists started using them as a new medium for creating visual and interactive experiences.

Throughout the decades, numerous artists and researchers have played a crucial role in shaping the field of computer and media art. Pioneers such as Frieder Nake, Vera Molnar, and Manfred Mohr were among the first to use algorithms and programming languages for generating visual art. Meanwhile, media artists like Nam June Paik and Bill Viola explored the possibilities of video art and electronic media, paving the way for future generations. The 1990s saw the rise of the Net Art movement, which embraced the internet as a public space for artistic creation and expression. Artists like Olia Lialina, JODI, Vuk Cosic and Alexei Shulgin utilized the internet's unique properties to create digital artworks that challenged traditional notions of art, authorship, and distribution.

In recent years, XR technologies have revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with art, offering immersive and interactive experiences that push the boundaries of artistic expression. Artists working with VR, AR, and MR have been able to engage audiences in entirely new ways, shaping the future of computer and media art.

Through the study of media and computer art history, XRCamp ART + TECH participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the foundations and evolution of these fields. By exploring the works and ideas of past artists and innovators, participants are better equipped to contribute to the ongoing evolution of art and technology, creating their own unique and forward-thinking projects.