Although I didn't experience a lot of VR simulations in the past, all of the experiences I did have were positive ones. I think the reason why I didn't seek out to use VR a lot is that it is a very over-stimulating experience. So even though the novelty of it would be mind-boggling and fun, it isn't an experience I would do very often. One of the simulations I've tried in the past is the Dreams of Dali 360 video. It was nothing like the other real-time 360 video's I've seen in the past. In this video, the Dali-inspired computer simulation made it seem like the user was flying in the air, weaving through whimsical structures and landscapes. The ambient soundtrack made it even seem more dream-like It was a memorable experience because I was truly immersed and felt like I was in a dream.

The simulation I tried in class on the Samsung Gear, Van Gogh's The Night Cafe was very similar. This simulation, much like the Dali one, is also inspired by the painting style of the artist. Since I am a huge art-history fan, I really enjoyed the bright colors and bold paint strokes that defined Van Gogh's works. I thought the video quality was pretty impressive as well. Even though the simulation did have the "painterly" look, it wasn't lacking in resolution. My friend told me that she cried when she went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam while on drugs. This is probably very similar to what she was experiencing. One element that made this painting-inspired simulation less impressive compared to the Dali one is that the user controls the movement of the simulation, which I didn't like. In the Dali simulation, the only thing the user can control is the direction they are looking at. The default movement is flying over the landscapes at a steady speed. I got pretty dizzy using the Van Gogh simulation because I was "walking" around pretty quickly, and I had to turn my head to walk in different directions. I was also bumping into the furniture and walking into walls. The jarring unnatural movements and sudden appearance of objects obstructing my view made this simulation less immersive for me. I was too self aware of my movements and wasn't fully immersed like I was in the Dali simulation. Eventually, I stopped exploring the space and just stayed still in one place to just look around and take the details all in. I enjoyed the ambient soundtrack, it was very fitting to the peaceful scene of the painting. I also appreciated the little details like how I can sit on a chair or look out of the 3D window and see the night sky outside the building. It was evident that a lot of time was spent on perfecting the painter's style and paying homage to his artistic energy.

I really like the idea of painting-inspired and artist-inspired VR simulations because it brings an already impressive work to a whole new level. I think this style should also be done with renaissance paintings, because they have so many layers in a scene. I think that it would bring a new meaning to art appreciation and art education. Just like looking at a painting, these painting-inspired simulations will be enjoyed and interpreted differently depending on the individual.