by Ayo Alli, entertainment correspondent

A new exhibition by the Royal Academy of Arts merges renaissance art with contemporary video art by Michelangelo and Bill Viola. This promises to deliver a new experience as it is the first of its kind at the gallery.

Although Michelangelo’s art is five hundred years older than video artist Viola, the Academy believes the themes in their work is similar.

The New York Born artist was one of the first to use video as an expressive form in the 70s, whilst Renaissance artist Michelangelo made world famous sculptures, drawings and paintings.

They are both mirrored in three segments of big dark rooms showcasing their works dedicated to life death and rebirth.

Martin Clayton, the curator of the exhibition said it has been a concept for over 13 years.

“A lot of contemporary artists find the spiritual quite problematic which is something Bill Viola never shied away from.”

Michelangelo’s pieces are in small frames next to Viola’s mass production of imagery and sound.

The rooms are a collaboration of sound engineers and architects from various organisations.

Jamie Wyld, a curator with nearly two decades of experience with video art exhibitions, is the director of video club in London, housing a platform for moving art.

“I think this is a bold step for the Royal Academy but…

He also believes it can be a way for a different generation to experience renaissance art.

The exhibition will start tomorrow and end in March, with various events in February.

Listen to the full package here: