Virtual Reality Installation

Khoj Studios, New Delhi, India

2015

At the “Of Games III” Residency at Khoj I explored the dialogue of physical experience with a virtual reality simulation. Game mechanics were applied and distilled in the carrying and passing of a VR sculpture resembling a small creature that merges with the body of the viewers/participants. The interactive sculpture had virtual reality goggles attached to its top and when activated, the viewer creates a symbiotic relationship with the object, as if holding another body. This object was the controller of the embedded virtual “game” space, and in-game navigation happened through an array of touch sensors. In addition to the core object, another sculpture in the room provided feedback to the virtual reality unit but was manipulated by other participants, creating a dynamic of visual access and auditory feedback. A set of paintings were also installed to question the origin of the virtual images. The viewers were made to feel like part of the exhibition space, part of the VR object and part of the painting interchangeably. Finally, an extension of the VR work was accessible through an online exploration game where viewers gained additional insight regarding the mixed reality relationships in the exhibition.