The ‘Alt-Verse’ project by FINE 247 students from the fall 2024 term, will be displayed at THEMUSEUM's new immersive gallery, EYEPOOL.
The interactive art installations by students Amna Sahi, Alex Chau, Brenda Duany Ruenes, Emilia Castillo, Judas Wolfe, Matilda Pawlega, Sarah Guenther, Sarah Soohyun Cheon, Shirley Huang, Simone Behl, and Zo Wakerfield can be seen from February 12-23 with a reception on February 19, 5-7 p.m.
Fine Arts professor, Xuan Ye, has created a unique opportunity for their FINE 247 students. In FINE 247, students learn to become future creative technologists by creating interactive artworks using the TouchDesigner visual programming language. They explore human-computer interactions by integrating sound, moving images and real-time data feeds—utilizing ML-based (machine learning) motion capture and projection mapping.
A unique collaboration with THEMUSEUM sees Fine Arts students installing their final project in the museum’s first permanent immersive gallery experience called EYEPOOL, which opened in spring 2023 to host digital, projection-based content on various themes. State-of-the-art projectors by Kitchener-based Christie Digital create an immersive experience that flows over the walls and floor of the 800-square-foot gallery and combines visuals, sound and technology. THEMUSEUM works with local artists and post-secondary programs locally and across Ontario to feature work in their spaces.
FINE students in the Fall 2024 cohort are exploring the theme ‘Alt-Verse’ by investigating alternate worlds, realities, and digital ecosystems that illuminate the possibilities and limitations of perception, technology, and identity. They conceptualize, design, and program speculative environments that exist alongside—or in contrast to—our known worlds. The interactive art installations use EYEPOOL's technological infrastructure to enhance immersion, playing with physical space as a gateway to alternative dimensions.
In December, the ‘Alt-Verse’ project was critiqued at EYEPOOL, with its senior director of curation and technology manager in attendance. Selected student works from that session now culminate in an exhibition from February 12 through 23, 2025.
Final critique at the EYEPOOL on December 2nd, 2024. Artwork by Sarah Guenther This is the Future! We Have You Surrounded! Photo by Cree Amber Tylee.