Reflections of Reality
For this project, I chose to do the reading about virtual reality. The reading talks about some very interesting points and brings up many examples of the recent artistic applications of virtual reality software/computer generated imagery in the creation of synthetic realities.
I found it most interesting that the reading defines virtual reality as either being a synthetic world created through means such as computer programming or through non-digital means such as myth, literature, cinema, or even theatre. In a modern context, the term 'virtual reality' is most often associated with a reality that has been created through the use of computer programming and software, ie. the creation of a digital world.
In the artistic application of virtual reality brought up in the reading, the element of interactivity was emphasized.
The VR installation The Topographical Slide by artists Michael Scroggins and Stewart Dickson brought up ideas about the representation and interaction with a space that does not physically exist. This got me thinking about mirrors for some reason, and the way that (in a way) the reflection viewed in a mirror represents a space that does not physically exist. It portrays space just as we view it, but we cannot interact with in directly, we can only interact with the perceived (also in a way, virtual) space through interactions with the objects that create the reality viewed in a mirror (if that makes sense).
In some convoluted way, the reflection in a mirror can be considered a form of synthetic reality; something that represents space (reflecting a true reality like the creation of a digital world might), but is not really there.
For the project in response to the reading, I came up with a proposal for an interactive installation (since its been a terribly busy last two weeks and I didn't have time to actually make something... which is okay, but still...).
I decided to play around with the ideas of a created reality that can be interacted with and 'skewed', in a way, by the audience.
Through the use of a freestanding picture frame and mirrored props, the illusion of a real space, mirrored in the picture frame, is created. Through the reflection of the imagery on both sides of the frame and the open nature of the frame, viewers can interact with both sides of the frame, and with the proper positioning/photography/other methods of recording images, the illusion of a moving painting is created.
This installation can demonstrate the ideas of a false reality created through illusion, or the mimicry of reality. In a way, it echos a situation of looking into a mirror and seeing something other than your own reflection.
The imagery/reality of the presented space in the installation can be distorted by the presence and/or interactions of the viewers, unlike the synthetic reality seen in the reflections of a mirror.
(Also.... I know that this project presented the challenge to make a piece that was more connected to our own practices... have to admit... I feel like I went the completely other direction with this proposed idea....)
I found it most interesting that the reading defines virtual reality as either being a synthetic world created through means such as computer programming or through non-digital means such as myth, literature, cinema, or even theatre. In a modern context, the term 'virtual reality' is most often associated with a reality that has been created through the use of computer programming and software, ie. the creation of a digital world.
In the artistic application of virtual reality brought up in the reading, the element of interactivity was emphasized.
The VR installation The Topographical Slide by artists Michael Scroggins and Stewart Dickson brought up ideas about the representation and interaction with a space that does not physically exist. This got me thinking about mirrors for some reason, and the way that (in a way) the reflection viewed in a mirror represents a space that does not physically exist. It portrays space just as we view it, but we cannot interact with in directly, we can only interact with the perceived (also in a way, virtual) space through interactions with the objects that create the reality viewed in a mirror (if that makes sense).
In some convoluted way, the reflection in a mirror can be considered a form of synthetic reality; something that represents space (reflecting a true reality like the creation of a digital world might), but is not really there.
For the project in response to the reading, I came up with a proposal for an interactive installation (since its been a terribly busy last two weeks and I didn't have time to actually make something... which is okay, but still...).
 |
| (Super rough sketch of the proposed idea) |
I decided to play around with the ideas of a created reality that can be interacted with and 'skewed', in a way, by the audience.
Through the use of a freestanding picture frame and mirrored props, the illusion of a real space, mirrored in the picture frame, is created. Through the reflection of the imagery on both sides of the frame and the open nature of the frame, viewers can interact with both sides of the frame, and with the proper positioning/photography/other methods of recording images, the illusion of a moving painting is created.
This installation can demonstrate the ideas of a false reality created through illusion, or the mimicry of reality. In a way, it echos a situation of looking into a mirror and seeing something other than your own reflection.
The imagery/reality of the presented space in the installation can be distorted by the presence and/or interactions of the viewers, unlike the synthetic reality seen in the reflections of a mirror.
(Also.... I know that this project presented the challenge to make a piece that was more connected to our own practices... have to admit... I feel like I went the completely other direction with this proposed idea....)
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