On June 20, 2025, LA-based artist Kevin Nguyen opened the doors to his first solo exhibit, Virtual Realities, at the Contemporary Art Museum of Los Angeles (CAMLA), marking a groundbreaking moment in the fusion of virtual reality (VR) and traditional art. Nguyen, known for his innovative use of technology, combines his background in fine art with immersive digital landscapes, creating interactive experiences that challenge the boundaries between reality and the digital world.
Nguyen, who has been experimenting with VR art since 2022, is part of a growing movement in Los Angeles where technology and art intersect in new and surprising ways. Virtual Realities features a series of immersive VR installations that allow visitors to step into fantastical, otherworldly environments that respond to their movements and actions. These environments are not just visual; they also engage the senses through sound and touch, creating a fully enveloping experience.
Speaking at the opening event, Nguyen shared his vision for how VR can redefine the way we experience art. “In the traditional art world, the viewer is typically separate from the artwork. But with VR, you become part of the piece itself,” Nguyen explained. “This exhibition is an attempt to break down that barrier, to bring the audience inside the work and allow them to engage with it on a deeper level.”
The exhibition includes several interactive pieces, with Shifting Dimensions being one of the most popular installations. In this piece, visitors enter a VR environment that gradually transforms based on their movements, shifting from serene landscapes to chaotic, fragmented worlds, symbolizing the constant flux of human experience and the way technology alters our perception of reality.
Nguyen’s ability to merge the physical with the virtual is reflected in the materials he uses, such as sculptural components that visitors can touch and manipulate before entering the VR environments. His work is not only about experiencing art but also about pushing the boundaries of how art can be consumed. “Technology allows me to take something familiar, like painting or sculpture, and alter it entirely,” said Nguyen. “The digital medium opens up so many possibilities.”
The exhibition also reflects Los Angeles’ growing role as a hub for experimental art and technology. Nguyen’s work is supported by organizations like the LA Tech Art Lab, which fosters innovation at the intersection of art and technology. “Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to nurture these kinds of projects because of its blend of technological innovation and artistic creativity,” said Michelle Williams, Director of the LA Tech Art Lab.
While Virtual Realities has received praise for its innovative approach, it has also raised questions about the accessibility of VR art. Some critics have noted that the immersive nature of VR can be intimidating or alienating to those unfamiliar with the technology. Nguyen, however, believes the challenges of VR will be overcome as the technology becomes more accessible and intuitive.
With Virtual Realities, Nguyen is at the forefront of a new wave of art that blends the digital and physical worlds, and his work continues to inspire both traditional artists and tech innovators. As the art world grapples with the evolving role of technology, Nguyen’s exhibition serves as a bold step forward in how we experience and engage with art in the digital age.
