HAUSER & WIRTH unveils ArtLab, a new research + tech division creating VR-based exhibits

HAUSER & WIRTH‘s new research and innovation arm ArtLab unveils its first initiative — a new virtual reality exhibition modeling tool called HWVR, for the gallery to open its first entirely VR-based exhibition in april 2020. by ‘taking place’ in a gallery site of the future — HAUSER & WIRTH menorca — the exhibition allows visitors a coveted online preview of the art center they will be able to visit in spain when it opens in 2021. HAUSER & WIRTH menorca is being restored by the paris-based, argentinean architect luis laplace — a long-standing collaborator of the gallery. as part of HAUSER & WIRTH’s #artforbetter initiative, 10% of gross profit from sale of works in the first HWVR exhibition will be donated to the COVID-19 solidarity response fund of the world health organization.

ArtLab, in software HAUSER & WIRTH menorca exterior view created in HWVR 
courtesy of HAUSER & WIRTH

ArtLab began with intensive research in summer 2019, focused upon practical steps toward responsibly reducing the gallery’s carbon footprint associated with mounting exhibitions globally. simultaneously, the ArtLab team began exploring innovations that will allow audiences to fully experience exhibitions in different local contexts without traveling -– a project that takes on greater meaning and urgency amid the COVID-19 pandemic -– while permitting artists, curators, and exhibition coordinators to better prepare shows using new technology. ArtLab will host a digital residency program at HAUSER & WIRTH los angeles for artists and their teams by invitation to enable them to connect with, and to explore, the full potential of the new technology.

ArtLab, HAUSER & WIRTH los angeles interior view created in HWVR.
works pictured: jack whitten’s asa’s palace, 1973 and louise bourgeois’s crouching spider, 2003

ArtLab’s global team combines existing HAUSER & WIRTH staff with new employee experts, and consultant support based in london, new york, and los angeles. HWVR is a first in the art world because it uses a bespoke technology-stack, not found in any other single industry. drawing from techniques applied in architecture, construction and video-game authorship, the tool creates true-to-life scale and accuracy, as well as the authentic look, feel, and interactivity ofHAUSER & WIRTH’s galleries. HWVR builds the virtual 3D space from the ground up at a pixel level, rather than relying on combined photos, which gives an unprecedented level of flexibility. ArtLab has also developed software to convert the gallery’s database of artworks into 3D assets.

ArtLab, HAUSER & WIRTH menorca exterior view created in HWVR
view of louise bourgeois’s maman, 1999 © the easton foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
courtesy of the easton foundation and HAUSER & WIRTH

‘many of the best innovations are driven by necessity,’ says iwan wirth. ‘when we created ArtLab and first began developing the HWVR art experience, our primary goal was to develop technology that would help our artists visualize the spaces where their exhibitions would be presented. we were equally motivated by a desire to plan exhibitions for our locations around the globe in a way that would reduce the amount of travel and transportation. given the current situation, with so many in essential self-isolation, we are accelerating the launch of art lab’s programs with a new approach to virtual reality exhibitions that can engage as many people as possible and bring them together while we’re all apart.’

ArtLab, in software HAUSER & WIRTH menorca exterior view created in HWVR 
courtesy of HAUSER & WIRTH

edited by nina azzarello

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