ECSTASIS

Ecstasis is a multi-user interactive 'experiential' artwork. The project explores notions of ecstasy through a 'negotiated betweeness' and the mediatory inbetweeness of the human position within a digital experience. This ecstatic 'betweeness' lays not in the computer, the screen or the loudspeaker, but is created within the meshes and multi-layered 'skins' that envelope individual and communal human experience.

Ecstasis examines this human position and the relationship between collective action and individual experience. The project merges the communal mode of negotiated interactions between users with the negotiated interactions with the digital experience. The term we use to describe these interactions is 'communal human presence'.

Ecstasis is a modulating digital environment / topology of events and a system for navigation and interactions. The digital environment can be described as a skin or membrane surface that transforms in shape, colour and transparency depending on the engagement of multiple users within the digital environment. The skin morphs into other spaces depending on the users location to the surface of an object or space and also according to the proximity of the users' digital location to the other users. The speed and direction of navigation is also dependant on the proximity of the users' digital location to the other users.

The navigation and modulation of the digital experience is controlled by head-mounted motion-tracking devices. A custom designed interface allows 1 - 4 users to share and control a single point of view. This interface tracks the slight nuances in head movement from the users. The data generated from this interface is used to control navigation through the digital experience and to modulate the environment. The multiple users therefore directly inform the navigation through the digital experience and, the modulation and relocation of the visual and aural environment.

Screening Times

Wednesday 12th February, 1pm - 2pm
(Session times 1:00 & 1:30)

Friday 14th February, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
(Session Times 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00)

Each screening will last approx 30 minutes. Numbers are limited to 8-10 people per session. Bookings should be made at the Graphite registration point.

For more information about ecstasis visit www.metraform.com