VR Museum

For my thesis, I wanted to combine my love and deep interest for video games and my desire to collaborate with many different artistic mediums that you wouldn’t conventionally expect within a virtual space. This has led me to create The VR (Virtual Reality) Museum. This museum is an example of a functional moveable space existing within a digital realm and features various art such as paintings, sculptures and illustrations, that viewers can interact with and enjoy.

The art in the museum varies and features a range of amazing works of art sent in by the students. With this museum I am able to create a permanent, and accessible space for student’s artwork to exist. From woodworking pieces to showcasing animations and stop-motion films, I wanted to leave no stone unturned, and be as open as possible in regards to what art is going to be showcased within the space. This museum is everlasting and viewers have ample time to sit with the art in order to fully understand the emotions and spirit the artist put into every piece. My primary goal of the thesis is to highlight artists that would traditionally face barriers from Museums, specifically BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Artists.

Bio

Julio Rivera, originally from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, is a student at the Maine College of Art & Design, pursuing a major in Animation & Game Art with a minor in Music. Beyond his academic pursuits, Julio plays a pivotal role as the President of the Student of Color Coalition at MECA&D, organizing community outreach events in the Greater Portland area. Julio Rivera's artistic journey is characterized by his passion for creativity, advocacy, and
community engagement. His work reflects his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusive artistry, making a lasting impact on both his artistic pursuits and the broader community.