Viewing Art on a Computer?

I just opened the very first VIRTUAL Fine Art Show on the website!
"Vibrant Views", recent paintings by Janet Skinner. Ms. Skinner has taken her view of the macro plant world and transformed it into saturated colors from her own perspective, rich with texture and life. I have been a fan of her work for some time now, and am delighted to present it in this format.

It's got me thinking about what it means to view art on a computer, particularly non-computer generated art. Is it an end unto itself? Is it more convenient? Is it flat? Is it exciting?

I don't know the answers to these questions. Can you help? We could start a discussion about this topic. Feel free to share your thoughts. I do not moderate comments...anything goes. But if it's rude, crude and socially unacceptable, I'll remove it ;)

Back in the spring, the Indianapolis Star (I would link to the article, but they purged the link) got interested in the closure of the physical gallery space in Fountain Square--where I had been showing art for 3 years. They were interested in the whole downsizing model of a business needing to close and looking for another option. In this case, when I was healthy enough to re-open, I knew it would look and feel very different. That's when the idea of a VIRTUAL art gallery and MOBILE frame shop was born.

There were several people interviewed and many supporters. In the article, the Dean of Herron School of Art and Design, however, said that art should not be viewed on a computer. That it should be felt and seen in person...lived with (I'm paraphrasing). I completely agree! The hope, of course, is that a viewer is moved by a piece and decides to purchase it and hang it in their home or office to enjoy everyday! So then, what of this interim VIRTUAL model? Where will it go--I don't know. But I'm enjoying the journey.

What are YOUR thoughts?

Sarah