Deep Connection & Space Invaders

Marilène Oliver & Gary James Joynes  

Marilène Oliver has worked with radiology and computer science researchers at the University of Alberta to create a series of high-resolution full body magnetic resonance (MR) scan datasets in order to create two new art installations for the Dyscorpia exhibition, both including virtual reality components. Based on the premise that the way we see ourselves informs how we understand ourselves, creating material and immaterial visions of the body based on data captured by a digitally mechanised machine offers an opportunity to compare and contrast the affectiveness of virtual and real media. Each work has an especially created audio created by Gary James Joynes using recordings from the original MR scan.

In Deep Connection a single body floats prone in virtual reality space. The viewer can walk around her and dive inside her body. Her hand is outstretched, waiting for a human connection.  Space Invaders creates an uncanny experience of having our personal physical space invaded by virtual bodies. Both virtual reality works are experienced as parts of multimedia installations that include sculptural elements that have been created from the same MR data used to render the virtual reality bodies.

These works have been made with the generous support and expertise of Assistant Professor Kumar Punithakumar, Professor Pierre Boulanger, Associate Professor Richard Thompson, Professor Chris Hanstock, Dr Peter Seres and computer science graduate intern students Madhavi Nimalaratne and Preet Giri.