What if you could turn video games into art? That’s the concept behind Virtual Realms: Videogames Transformed, the latest exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. Curated by famous game designer Tetsuya Mizuchi in collaboration with the Barbican, the exhibition is co-presented by ArtScience Museum and Melbourne Museum.
The exhibition is divided into six installations, with each one revolving around a themed experience. Leading video game studios such as KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and thatgamecompany have collaborated with media design firms such as The Mill and FIELD.IO to create an immersive experience like no other.
Here's what it was like to immerse ourselves inside this new attraction in Singapore.
PLAY
Our first stop was Dream Shaping (Media Molecule and Marshmallow Laser Feast), an interactive experience combining digital projection art and game elements. The wait times for this experience can be rather long, so do visit this installation before you explore the rest of the area. Put on a headset, grab a soft shape, and you’re all set to go.
As you maneuver your shape through a colourful galaxy, you’ll have to complete several interactive challenges before reaching warp speed. You’ll have an audience too, as visitors waiting in line are encouraged to observe the players before them.
NARRATIVE
Journey into an ever-evolving digital realm in Book of Sand (Tequila Works and The Workers), which explores a tale of discovery and loss. Your actions impact the narrative in this installation, as visitors work together to advance the story. Stepping into the spotlight triggers changes in the virtual realm, which can range from controlling the weather to activating a statue.
Each time visitors step into the installation space, the experience will be different depending on the collaboration process, creating an artwork that is constantly evolving.
EVERYTHING
Intentionally designed to induce a psychedelic effect, Eye (David OReilly and onedotzero) is a unique reactive environment where you take control of what you see.
Experiment with different dials that control the flow, scale, and warp of the projection as a synchronised soundtrack from the London Symphony Orchestra plays in the background. Every projection is unique, featuring everything from a kaleidoscope of flowers to a swarm of insects.
CONNECTION
Exhibition-goers can manipulate an interactive environment in Wall (KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and the Mill), a digital wall where you shape galactic energy particles and cells. The wall responds to your movements and creates interesting reactions where the only limit is your imagination. Bring the particles together in both sections for a surprise as Wall explores the connections between seemingly unrelated objects.
UNITY
The installation begins in a seemingly dark room, but a light switches on and a tone begins to play as soon as you step in a certain spot. Together, you and the other visitors are tasked to light up the room. Teamwork and collaboration are what make up Unity, which explores the theme of working in harmony to bring about change.
However, it is not as easy as it appears. Everyone has to work together for the lights to turn on, and stepping in the wrong spot causes some of the light to fade. Visitors will be treated to a stunning light show after illuminating the room, which comes to life with the combined effort of collaboration.
SYNTHESIA
End off your journey with Synthesia, a performance where you and your partner take centre stage. This experience has a long waiting time as well, so we recommend visiting it last after you’ve browsed through the other installations. You hold the Seeds of Life (glowing interactive orbs), as the lights slowly dim and the floor comes to life in a burst of light.
Create rhythms with your orbs as your combined energy charges up the floor below as you dance with your partner. You are performers for the moment, and the installation is a stage where spectators can watch art unfold. As the music gradually crescendos, be sure to swing to the lively beat and watch as the floor below you spins into a colourful symphony.
Virtual Realms: Videogames Reimagined is a unique, reflective look into the forces that shape us, combining technology and art to create a canvas of our collective experiences. If you’ve got a free afternoon, it’s the perfect way to spend a day out in town.
