Rise of ArtFutura

As we begin the 1990s, a major trend, besides the rise of the Internet and the transition from “computer” to “digital” art, was a fascination with virtual reality. Focusing on virtual reality, the first ArtFutura, a now annual festival of digital culture, was held at Mercat de les Flors in Barcelona, marking a significant milestone in the realm of art and technology. The event showcased a one-hour projection and a 30-minute performance titled Mugra, a collaboration between Rebecca Allen and La Fura dels Baus. It was a very early attempt at virtual reality and art. A memorable moment was Eric Gullichsen’s presentation of a virtual reality helmet during the press conference, allowing journalists to experience real-time 3D environments. The event even included an early 3D animation from the little-known Pixar animation studio.