SPACED OUT is a multi-sensory VR exhibition using the revolutionary VR waterproof headset, DiVR by Ballast Technologies. It invites visitors to float on water while breathing with a snorkel, giving an illusion of weightlessness and being immersed in space.

ARTISTIC DIRECTION

SPACED OUT is made up of various spaces, creating a multi-sensory journey through aquatic VR, NASA scientific documents and the film screening of George Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon. The scenography considers the practical aspects so as not to break the immersion in the fictional world. In other words, the immersion starts when entering the venue.

STATEMENT

SPACED OUT confronts science and imagination via mashing-up documentary archives and abstract 3D creation. It hopes to create a tension, mixing the two extreme poles of reality representations. The collage visual styles deal disparity and reveal humanity’s projections to unknown fantasies. Each chapter carries its own visual style, matching the limitations of an inaccessible place in our universe and imagination.

AQUATIC VR

ASTROPORT has the partnership of Ballast INC. which has developed the world’s first VR waterproof headset, DiVR. It enables visitors to float on water while breathing with a snorkel, giving an illusion of being immersed onto the lunar surface. Presence, the psychological state of feeling present in a virtual environment is felt more intensely when the body is immerged in water. The lack of spatial grounding has also had an impact on it. Aquatic VR presents a new frontier in the field of virtual immersion.
One can argue that there is a double one because aquatic VR brings the illusion of weightlessness and the power of teleporting into inaccessible places. The piece is like a magic trick: simulating absence of gravity it bypasses the brain’s predispositions for an immersion of all senses.

INSTALLATION

ASTROPORT is made up of different spaces, creating a multi- sensory journey whose scenography takes into account the practical aspects so as not to break the immersion in the fictional
world. In other words the experience starts when entering the venue. Flexible with the set-up, the first space imitates the experience of airport in space. Welcomed by a host in costume, the visitor registers his booking, signs the release form and gets a taste of the lunar imaginary world with the display of visual ads. The second main space is the pool where the visitor is taken care by a lifeguard. Once swimming safety procedures is given, he can enter water. A floater attached to an anchor prevents him from hitting someone’s else and also helps him to remain still. The size of the pool affects the number of visitors per hour. By each of them has a 4 meter2 area.

FESTIVAL

WORLD XR FORUM 2019 – Official Competition – World Premiere (Cran Montagna, Switzerland)
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2020 – New Frontier Selection – International Premiere (Park City, USA)
NEW IMAGES FESTIVAL 2020 – Out of Competition – French Premiere (Paris, France)
FILMGATE FESTIVAL 2020 – Special Jury VR award (Miami, USA)
MAPPING FESTIVAL 2021 – Selection (Geneva, Switzerland)