Bucks County Community College Unveils Inaugural Virtual Reality Art Showcase
Reality’s Fugue: Virtual Reality Meets Art & Philosophy, the first virtual reality art show at Bucks County Community College’s Hicks Art Centre Gallery, is establishing a new standard.
The 10-minute virtual reality presentation allows spectators to explore nonhierarchical worldviews in an immersive way, drawing inspiration from F. Samuel Brainard’s book Reality’s Fugue: Reconciling Worldviews in Philosophy, Religion, and Science.
Brainard, a self-employed academic who studied both Asian and Western philosophy and religion, collaborated with David Tamés to create and lead the project.
Reality’s Fugue departs from traditional virtual reality gaming experiences by exploring collaborative creative adventures and presenting an origin story that emphasises both individual individuality and group identity. According to the exhibition organisers, the goal of the show is to visually express the book’s main concept, which is harmonising disparate views.
The virtual reality experience has motion tracking that does not require hand controllers, realistic vocal narration, and dynamic images.
Christian Kowalchuk and Brainard have reinvented the exhibit at the Hicks Art Centre, utilising two distinct gallery spaces to enhance the experience for every visitor.
Carol Cruickshanks, who oversaw the January 2024 debut at New Hope Arts, is back as a co-producer for the exhibition at the Hicks Art Centre. Among her duties include managing the staging, perfecting the installation, and forming new partnerships.
Several artists, including Cruickshanks, Susanne Pitak-Davis, Aurelle Purdy Sprout, and Stacie Speer Scott, contributed to the project, which is a collaborative endeavour. Alongside Katerina Pak, Patrick Nugent worked as a 3D artist and developer. Jenny Paschall wrote the narration, Linda Erickson composed the music, and Fran Perlman delivered the voiceover.
Consultants Danger Donaghey, Oscar Keyes, and Matt Seibert provided technical expertise. Additionally, the organisers thanked the assistance of New Hope Arts, the Bucks County Community College Media Centre, and Stanley Timek. He also thanked, Front Row Seat Productions, Robert Bullington and LLC, Susan Bindig, Jeffrey Jacobson, Ryan Murray, Celia Pearce, Carol Parker, and Elizabeth A. Stier.
Located at 275 Swamp Road in Newtown Township, the Hicks Art Centre Gallery is hosting the exhibition until March 1.
