Computer art imitating art

PA 28/10 An idea inspired by computer games is revolutionising the study of Modern Art at The University of Nottingham. 'CURATA' is a new piece of software developed at the University which creates a 3D virtual art gallery on your desktop computer. It is modelled on much-loved local galleries like the Djanogly Gallery at the University's own Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham Castle Museum and the new Nottingham Contemporary. The unique programme allows students to curate their own 'virtual' exhibitions in these spaces as part of a new 'pathway' called Modern Art, Criticism and Display in the postgraduate MA, Art History and Visual Culture. It involves the study of modern and contemporary modes of gallery and museum display, and examines how Modern/Contemporary Art is studied and appraised in the wider art world. Assessment for the module takes the form of an exhibition project in which students have to showcase the processes involved in curating an exhibition. They have to pitch an original idea in a live class presentation, develop the idea by finalising works for the show, arrange the works in their chosen gallery space and, finally, write a catalogue essay exploring the rationale behind their exciting 'virtual art event'.