HTC and OpenSkyBlue launch the Vermeer NFT museum within the Metaverse

Yesterday Taipei-based HTC –the firm responsible for the VIVE VR headset, Vive Arts, and now VIVERSE , dropped a major preview alongside their innovative partnership with the NFT platform, OpenSkyBlue Together, they've created the first Vermeer NFT Museum in the Metaverse, showcasing 37 NFTs titled 'Re-create of Vermeer' set against a backdrop inspired by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer’s masterpieces. 

The statement reveals, 'The program interprets Vermeer’s original intentions, philosophies, and narratives, meticulously recreating his brushwork, subtle hues, and masterful play of light from over 300 years back.' Accessible on any device, from HTC’s hardware to standard desktops, you're invited to explore their Metaverse via Preview VIVE Pod by logging in with your own account or exploring anonymously using one of their seven pre-defined avatars. 

The museum's design includes three wings radiating from a central hub. One corridor features a trompe l'oeil optical illusion—at the end of this passage, 'The Little Street' appears to lead to an outdoor entrance. This may be due to Vermeer's remarkable ability to capture light—alongside his iconic piece, 'Girl With a Pearl Earring,' which prominently hangs at the end of another corridor in this Metaverse gallery. Additional noteworthy works encompass 'The Milkmaid' and 'Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window.'

The announcement states, 'Every classic artwork must undergo a restoration process to preserve its authentic quality—this rarely succeeds.' In the ‘Re-create of Vermeer’ initiative, OpenSkyBlue partnered with the Vermeer Centre in Delft, Netherlands, utilizing advanced image analysis techniques to generate highly refined digital versions of the original artworks. 

This raises an intriguing point about the role of such technology in safeguarding these delicate masterpieces in the Metaverse for future generations. The declaration adds, 'Through our ’Re-create of Vermeer‘ initiative, the original artworks will be transformed into NFTs, ensuring the protection of our cultural heritage while spreading awareness of these treasures.'

Narration adds an unexpected charm—upon entering, you’ll hear the voices of Johannes Vermeer and his daughter Elizabeth (portrayed by presumably hired actors) introducing themselves and welcoming visitors to the exhibition. Exploring through these historic artworks while the sound is on allows for detailed commentary on each piece from the duo. Furthermore, the exhibition is designed so that the audio doesn’t overlap; each learning segment is neatly tucked into its own alcove in the digital realm. Click on an artwork to view its title and additional insights, much like the wall labels one would expect in a physical gallery.

HTC debuted Their VIVE Flow immersive glasses were showcased alongside a live demonstration of new offerings in VIVERSE at the Mobile World Congress last February. HTC describes VIVERSE as a Metaverse gateway to novel cultural experiences developed around open standards, stating it's 'our domain within the metaverse; an expansive universe filled with amazing experiences, and a seamless passage to other universes in partnership with our collaborators from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep.' They could have possibly omitted that last part. 

According to Cher Wang, Co-Founder and Chairwoman at HTC, 'VIVERSE represents the next phase of our VIVE Reality vision.' She elaborates that 'VIVE signifies life, while Verse pertains to life’s chapters. VIVERSE offers fluid experiences accessible on any device, anywhere, powered by virtual and augmented reality, lightning-fast connectivity, AI, and blockchain technologies that HTC has been developing for several years. We invite our partners to join us on this thrilling adventure into the new internet of presence.' 

The company’s other projects like Vive Arts are at the forefront of contemporary art, consistently showcasing engaging digital installations at significant events in the art world. “ Wu Tsang: Of Whales ” premiered at the recent Venice Biennale, and “ Marco Brambilla: Heavens Gate ” was displayed at the Pérez Art Museum during Art Basel Miami Beach last December 2021. Naturally, they have the expertise to curate a genuinely immersive Metaverse museum experience, especially after enduring years of lackluster Online Viewing Rooms and virtual exhibitions. HTC, along with their partnerships, expects the complete 'Recreate of Vermeer' museum to launch in the latter half of 2022.

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