The synergy between computers and communication is creating new
opportunities for many human endeavours. Many aspects of our social and
cultural life will be affected by the use of the new communication
technology. If, on one side, we must be prepared to consider the obvious
risks of alienation and depersonalisation and the risk that massive computer
communication will present for the cultural diversity of the planet, it
would be foolish not to endorse and encourage the potential benefits that
can derive from the same revolution.
The traditional approach to art emphasizes the direct contact with the
originals. It is certainly not my intention to underestimate the importance
and the pleasure of being in direct contact with original works of art, but
we most propose some logistic considerations to better frame this emphasis
in contemporary life.
Logistically, the continuous approach to the originals assumes an urban
environment. Important masterpieces are relatively rare and, as an
unfortunate result of the glamorization of art, are extremely expensive.
They tend to be concentrated in major museums of equally major cities.
Moreover in the fast consumption scenario, the user approaches the work of
art without adequate preparation and with the pressure to do it fast. The
benefits of the direct contact are almost entirely lost. Only if the layman
has a substantial and prolonged contact with the work of  art the visit can
be of some use. If this does not happen, then the museum is at risk of
becoming little more than a "culturally correct" Disneyland.
The use of  computer tools and computer communication should be placed into
this framework. The virtual museums should be use to give people a better
understanding of an art work, not only as an example of craftsmanship and
artistic sensibility, but as an element in the flow of art history.


What about the fruition of art in the computer communication age?
What will be the role of virtual museums?
What are the most important features that a virtual museum should possess?
What the major benefits it would produce?

Gian


Gianluca Nicchiotti
Elsag Bailey R&D
Via Puccini 2, 16154 Genova, Italy