Voices of VR

Dr. Maisha Wester, a scholar in gothic literature and horror, discusses her groundbreaking project, Coded Black, which combines open-world exploration with Black history through horror tropes. She delves into the origins of Gothic literature and its ties to race, showcasing a lineage from slave narratives to contemporary figures like Jordan Peele. Maisha highlights innovative game mechanics used to evoke empathy, addresses the importance of historical accuracy, and shares her vision for this interactive experience as a tool for social justice and education.

Celine Daemen, a transdisciplinary artist specializing in immersive media and theater, discusses her groundbreaking public art installation, Nothing to See Here. She explores the concept of perception art, challenging our notions of reality amidst the AI debate. Celine shares insights from her Lincoln Center residency and her innovative use of volumetric capture techniques. The conversation delves into audience engagement, technical marvels like binaural sound design, and the time-bending experiences that are part of her work. She highlights the potential of immersive storytelling to reshape our collective experience.

Join Sarah Wolozin, Scarlett Kim, and Julia Scott-Stevenson as they dive into the exciting world of XR distribution. Wolozin, a pioneer in documentary storytelling, highlights the urgency of addressing access issues in the XR landscape. Kim shares insights on nurturing independent artists while building networks with cultural institutions. Scott-Stevenson explains innovative toolkits to help artists navigate distribution challenges. Together, they envision a more accessible and vibrant future for immersive media, all while avoiding the pitfalls of big-tech dependency.

Avinash Changa, an immersive technologist and founder of WeMakeVR, discusses his groundbreaking work on the Institute of Immersive Preservation. He shares his journey from creating an early stereoscopic 360 camera to tackling the challenges of VR preservation amidst rapid technological changes. Avinash reveals his innovative solution for virtualizing GPU interactions and the institute's multi-tiered services aimed at supporting creators and media archives. His vision includes advocating for open standards and fostering broader applications in immersive media.

In this engaging conversation, Amy Rose, Curator at Undershed and former artist from Anagram, shares insights from the gallery's inaugural year. She discusses the creative layout designed to welcome visitors and her extensive research shaping the gallery's spirit. Amy emphasizes the concept of 'liveness,' inviting audience memories into immersive experiences, and the importance of gentle debriefs post-exhibition. She also highlights the role of participation in exploration and building community through experiential art.

Martijn de Waal, a Professor of Civic Interaction Design at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, dives into how immersive art can boost civic engagement. He shares insights on creating interactive public spaces and the role of technology in community connection. Discussions include the challenges of measuring impact, the significance of shared experiences in democracy, and innovative ways to design digital tools for civic life. Martijn's transdisciplinary approach blends various fields to enrich public discourse and civic participation.

Sergey Prokofyev is an architect-turned-immersive filmmaker, known for his visionary work in full-dome formats. He discusses transitioning from speculative 'paper' architecture to creating immersive experiences using Unreal Engine. Sergey dives into the significance of camera-first design, collective experiences in domes, and the dreamlike symbolism in his project, Eternal Habitat. He also explores the potential of reactive architecture, AI integration, and the impact of dome cinema in engaging wider audiences with architectural storytelling.

Domenico Singapedrolli, a filmmaker and artist with Swiss, Thai, and Italian roots, shares insights into his VR work, Another Place. He discusses how his architecture training influences environmental storytelling and the emotional nuances in 3D space. Domenico delves into personal ties to France and Thailand, highlighting his engagement with Thai political refugees. He explores innovative interaction design through mobile devices and reflects on the immersive potential of VR to foster empathy and document real stories, particularly that of a transgender protagonist's exile.

Monique Grimord and Vitor Freire, co-founders of Imagination of Things, share insights on their innovative game, Unimaginable Red. Monique, an art director with a passion for design, talks about creating a fantastical take on Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Vitor, a narrative guru, delves into the inclusive storytelling shaped by real-life collaboration with local sex workers. They discuss themes of pleasure, gentrification, and queering experiences, all while navigating the creative challenges of the project. Their mission? To provoke thought and explore diverse sexualities within a playful, immersive environment.

Janire Najera, creative director at 4Pi Productions and co-founder of Calvia Lab, and Matthew Wright, artistic director at Culture Lab, explore the intriguing realm of immersive domes. They discuss how their backgrounds in dance and photography shaped their innovative approach to dome storytelling. Topics include the challenges of live capture and audience comfort, the historical significance of domes, and the potential of shared immersive experiences to foster empathy. They also emphasize the need for better accessibility and standards to support grassroots creators.