The Virtual Gallery: Digital Curation and the Democratization of Art

Navigating the Intersection of Physical Space and Augmented Reality in Museology

Abstract

This article examines the paradigm shift in contemporary art curation necessitated by the rise of digital and immersive technologies. As museums and galleries move beyond the "white cube" model, the role of the curator is redefined through Virtual Reality (VR) and digital archiving. This study analyzes the ethical and aesthetic implications of digital democratization—investigating whether virtual access truly expands art participation or merely creates a new tier of digital exclusion. Through an evaluation of current "phygital" exhibitions, the research provides a critical perspective on the future of the art-viewing experience. This contribution to IJCAP serves to bridge the gap between traditional art history and the rapidly evolving field of digital humanities.