Minna Virkki

I am a multi-discipline visual artist with a background in design. I have recently been working to develop a stronger conceptual approach in my work. I am particularly interested in audience engagement as part of the process of creating artworks.

I think it is important to create critical perspectives on digital art forms and mediums. What makes the work speak to the audience? How is new technology changing the landscape of art and how it can be used in a non-narrative and abstract form for delivering a message.

How can we make digital artwork stand out from the ever-growing content linked to the gaming industry, mobile app selfie filters, VR rollercoasters, etc.? Does it need a gallery environment to be exhibited?

I want to explore the role of the artist in immersive storytelling, using a medium like VR or AR, which are very much based on attention autonomy — a freedom to observe whatever we choose, whereas I see that traditionally the work of an artist is to somewhat direct our gaze — show us what we should see and to force us out of being merely ourselves, obligated to reckon with the point of someone else’s and perhaps to challenge our personal views and biases as a result.