Lone Wolves Stick Together: Research as a Journey to an Aesthetic Understanding of Immersion and Participation through VR and roleplaying (LARP)
(2024)
author(s): Nadja Lipsyc
published in: Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
This research explores the artistic and critical potentials of using tools from live action roleplaying (larp) to create narrative VR experiences. In particular, it unfolds the conception, physical play and VR play and production of the live action roleplaying (larp) Lone Wolves Stick Together. Inspired by the film Stalker (1979) by Tarkovsky, Lone Wolves Stick Together stages the immersive environment as an omniscient Sphynx-like character that pushes the players to question one another and to introspect. By using larp and video game design knowledge conjugated to cinematic aesthetics, this research project seeks to honor the creative and narrative potentials of immersion and participation. As such, between 2018 and 2023, this research took the form of classic chamber larps, immersive theater experiences, scenography installation, VR larps (including two other projects: The Space Between Us and Ancient Hours) and a final multimedia installation. The artistic methods rely on principles of environmental design, explored physically through production design and ambisonics, and virtually through a highly reactive virtual environment. The research method is based on a constructivist approach where we experiment to find an answer, not the truth. Here, experimentation is not conceptual but aesthetic: knowledge is lived and felt through artistic experience. Centred around VR and within a film and new media context, this research also develops a reflection on the industrial and technological influences on the creative process and their friction with artistic-research.
SOUND/BODY
(2023)
author(s): Petar Mrdjen
published in: Research Catalogue
“My sound body is the ghostly embrace that physically envelops the listener, with acoustic energy. Feel my presence, as I hide in plain sight.”
This exposition explores the role of surround sound in filmmaking, its strength and pitfalls in space-making, as well as its viability as an image-making device.
The author challenges conservative usage of surround sound, advocating for a playful and resistant approach; with the aim to create active and immersive spatial soundscapes where each audience member can experience their own "sweet spot." They reflect on the limitations of traditional cinema sound and express their desire to empower listeners with a dense and rich auditory experience.
By focusing on capturing authentic acoustic spaces, challenging traditional recording practices, and exploring a resistant approach to surround sound; the author highlights the unique relationship between sound, image, and space; and how their interplay can evoke various impressions.
The text delves into the author's artistic approach to working with surround-scapes (surround-soundscapes), highlighting different strategies and providing examples from films and games. Three surround-aesthetics are defined and named, which the author refers to as "rooms." The transformative power of sound is underscored, with a focus on embracing vulnerability and fluidity as sources of strength.
Through the context of foley-practice and surround-scaping; this exposition questions the role and reach of the author's body - a sound body.