Emergence of Web Art Education and Virtual Art Studio Enterprises during the Global Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global lockdown that disrupted various sectors, including personal, social, economic, educational, financial, and even the visual arts. This widespread policy created ripple effects on art production, patronage, pricing, and promotion worldwide. Shobukonla (2012) captured how Web Art and Visual Art Studio initiatives have aligned with John Ogene's prediction regarding the introduction of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in Fine and Applied Arts education. Ogene (2005) had projected that CAD tools would enhance and replace traditional methods in creating, articulating, and disseminating art. The study investigates the impact of these digital tools on artists and their ability to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. It highlights how the use of Web Art and online platforms has allowed artists to adapt and maintain relevance in a transformed landscape, offering new opportunities for the creation and distribution of artwork. Through this exploration, the paper aims to demonstrate how technology has reshaped the art world, providing a solution during a time of crisis and enabling artists to engage with audiences in novel ways.