Tate Gallery Teams up With Minecraft

Tate Gallery teams up with Minecraft By Dougal Shaw Technology reporter

21 November 2014

The Tate Gallery will exhibit some of its most renowned works in 3D within the virtual world of Minecraft. What is the best method for art to be appreciated?

Have you ever thought of taking a step into a painting and doing some exploring?
playing games is always fun

The Tate invites visitors to climb over its works and take a good look.

There will be no security guards on watch.

It has collaborated with the developers of Minecraft - an online computer game in which millions of players meticulously build fantasy worlds block by block - to create 3D versions of two of its artworks in a brand-new virtual gallery.

Andre Derain''s 1906 painting The Pool of London, and Christopher Nevinson''s portrayal of New York, Soul of the Soulless City (1920) are the first two paintings to receive this digital 3D makeover.

"Visitors will see a white cube that represents the Tate Gallery," explains Jane Burton, Creative Director of Tate Media.

"You walk through the door with the painting in front of you.

"What you can do now is walk up to the painting and literally into it You jump into it and that''s where your adventure begins."

Enter the art

Visitors are able to interact with the painting''s world.

You can take a train ride to enjoy an up-close view of the cityscape of Nevinson, for instance. Or stop for sandwiches with the builders while they rest from building skyscrapers.

Visitors should be cautious of pirates along the Thames while visiting Derain''s photograph. They can also experiment with explosive paint pigments.

"You take on challenges and activities that are related to the themes of the artwork.

"It''s art, history, and adventure," says Jane Burton, whose children introduced her to the magic of Minecraft.

Adam Clarke, a well-known Minecraft creator, first suggested that Minecraft exhibits should be created.

He came up with the idea for Tate''s IK Prize. This prize is given to an idea that uses digital technology to encourage people in the arts.

Tate employed the talents of other famous Minecraft builders, including Featherblade, Featherblade, Dragnoz and Featherblade to create the worlds that were inspired from the famous photos.

However there are those who aren''t convinced.

Perspective

These Minecraft creations will give new, younger audiences a familiarity with art, so that when they view the originals in a gallery, it''s as "seeing an old friend" according to Times art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston.

This sense of recognition, "like seeing celebrities" is a powerful instrument for art appreciation and encouraging audiences.

She continues, "But ironically the Minecraft works themselves offer an even more enjoyable experience."

"It is more of an entertainment experience rather than a meaningful connection with the painting, when [Minecrafts''s] 3D mapping replaces the painting''s illusionistic surfaces, and does the work for you."

Digital opening

You can download the two works of Derain and Nevinson starting Monday

Minecraft players must pay for membership, but the maps that are downloaded and Tate''s pictures are free.

With six more 3D masterpieces on the way, many will be watching with interest to see how big the queues will be on Monday the day that Tate''s Minecraft exhibition opens its digital doors.

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