Voices of VR

In this engaging discussion, Andrew M. Davis, a process philosopher and author, dives into the world of Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy. He emphasizes how human experience shapes reality, exploring concepts like prehension and the integration of mind and matter. Davis also highlights the importance of creativity in understanding our universe and the value-laden nature of existence. Plus, he connects Whitehead’s ideas to art and education, envisioning a re-enchanted cosmos through process and participatory co-creation.

Karim Ben-Khalifa, a former war correspondent turned immersive artist, discusses his journey from frontline reporting to creating impactful art. He shares insights about his installation 'In 36,000 Ways,' highlighting how shrapnel can evoke emotions about modern warfare. Karim delves into the power of sensory design in combatting public numbness to conflict. He emphasizes the need for innovation in storytelling and the use of technology to create collective, meaningful experiences that resonate with audiences.

Khalil Ashawi is a visual journalist and founder of Frontline in Focus XR; Hael Khalaf coordinates projects including Under the Same Sky; and Sami Sultan is a photojournalist from Gaza. They delve into the powerful use of immersive journalism to document the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sami shares the challenges of frontline reporting and how 360° footage counters misinformation. The team discusses the emotional impact on audiences and their hopes for justice and freedom for Gazans, highlighting VR's potential to transform journalism.

Alexander De Vriend, the artistic director of Ontroerend Goed, discusses the innovative immersive theater piece, Handle With Care. He explains how they design interactive experiences for reluctant audiences, emphasizing subtle cues that encourage participation without pressure. De Vriend shares insights on the unique distribution model of the show in boxes, audience trust, and the importance of balancing private moments with communal interactions. He reflects on the ethos of caring for unknown people, highlighting how the work creates profound connections and conversations.

Iris van der Meulen, a digital artist known for her vibrant work in VR storytelling, dives into her interactive project, Lesbian Simulator. She discusses the origins of the game, drawing from personal experiences to explore queer identity. Listeners will be fascinated by her approach to balancing humor and trauma, worldbuilding through VR sketching, and the innovative game mechanics that simulate both joy and tension. Iris also shares audience reactions and reflects on the desire for more interactivity in VR, highlighting its potential for social change.

Omid Zarei, an immersive producer and director, and Anne Jeppesen, a sound designer focused on audio-driven XR, delve into their collaborative project, Reality Looks Back. They explore the emotional core of their work, sharing a poignant hamster moment that reshaped their narrative. The duo translates lofty quantum concepts into immersive visuals and sound, discussing how personal experiences influence storytelling. Their insights on reality perception and the potential of immersive media spark intriguing conversations about disclosure and societal paradigm shifts.

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.