During week 7 we were visited by 3 guest lecturers, all of which were actively engaging with various forms of immersive media, albeit in different ways. I found this highly beneficial, as coming into the studio I wished to pursue the creation of VR/360 related videos. Looking past the current buzz and kitchiness of the medium, and exploring something which may extend with broader societal effects in the future.
Dr. Joshi’s main focus was through VR, but took upon a much more cognitive scientific approach. Looking at each individual having an incomplete model of reality and the importance of tricking perception within the medium to create the greatest VR immersive experience. Historically there is a lot to reference when speaking about VR, looking back at things like the gettysburg cyclorama (360 degree painting), sensorama and cinerama just to name a few.
Interesting points were made surrounding the failures of VR as a medium, these were generally centralised around the Accommodation Vergence Conflict which is the neurological trait of the brain fighting the muscles around the eyes. This can be combated by adhering to much higher frame rates (note ref. Douglas Turnbull, Frame Rate) however there is still a 15% chance the audience viewing having stereo blindness therefore the illusion is not complete.
It was then explored that practicing artists can bring about a new wave of DIY culture within the medium. As the price-point lowers the accessibility allows individuals greater creative autonomy, away from the president of corporate influence. A case study of Christian Lemmerz VR piece, La Apparizione, 2017 showed this. The piece allows insight into how we engage with the technology and the content within them.
Christian Lemmerz, La Apparizione, 2017. © Christian Lemmerz and Khora Contemporary. Courtesy of the artist and Khora Contemporary.
The premise of Religious objects within the embodied experience of VR, coupled with researching Spirituality practices through New Media Technologies last semester certainly aided with the conceptualisation of the first draft of Project Brief 4.
Key aspects which I took away from Discarding the Frame (Masters Research Project) included;
Embodied View – Camera placement creates viewers identity (Brillhart, Google)
Film Language
Consciousness within VR – Embodiment, Physical and Mental
- Morton Heilig; Talks about VR as a medium that takes us closer to a lived conscious
Memory, Fantasy, Inner Voice
Inner world / Inner Consciousness
- Deleuze; Literal storytelling, After 1960s less literal linear narration of physical events
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