On Thursday, Nov. 13, Diane Akpovwa, VALLEY’s very own Creative Director, curated a Virtual Reality showcase at the Palmer Museum of Art. The showcase was created for the Centre Film Festival, and as the first and only VR intern, Akpovwa used her background in human-centered design and development to craft it exquisitely.
An Immersive Introduction
This free event, hosted in the lobby of Palmer, set the scene for a relaxing experience with ambient lighting. Visuals were projected onto two walls for guests to watch while they waited to engage in the virtual reality.
There were five virtual reality stations, each with their own story to tell to the public. The most in-demand session was called “Container,” which simulated being in confinement. Because of the intense experience, many were advised about the emotions it could bring to the surface, but all who went through it had nothing but positive things to say.
No Place But Here
I had the opportunity to take part in the experience titled “No Place But Here,” a fully immersive opportunity that required both VR goggles and headphones. As it was my first time trying virtual reality, I was unsure what to expect, but I was quickly introduced to it.
It opened with several anecdotes about the living situation in Woodstock, a suburb located in Cape Town, South Africa. Having so many people speak to you about their troubles allows you to empathize with their situation, as if you are talking to someone you already know.
Specifically, gentrification has forced many people out of their homes in Woodstock. With rising rents due to new residents in the area, the families that were currently residing had to be ushered out, despite the fact they might have stayed there for generations. Many of the people who had been pushed out of their homes had been forced to live in Cissie Gool House, which is an abandoned hospital.
A Shocking Reality
Despite the fact that the hospital was not large — only around five floors — almost 1,000 people lived there because there was no other place for them to reside. The visuals depicted the eerie atmosphere in the old hospital, and how despite many people having to call it home, it was still not sterile. Large hallways and staircases seemed out of place for community living, but the gentrification did not offer them any other option.
The experience provided a perspective on a situation that many may have been unfamiliar with, and that seemed to be the trend throughout the entire showcase. Paired skillfully with great visuals and curated music, this immersive opportunity provided a fresh perspective on the current state of the world, and how it’s painfully affected by the past and choices of others. Overall, one can leave this experience with excitement for what Akpovwa has in store for the future.
How do you think you would engage in the virtual reality showcase? Let @VALLEYmag know on X!
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say superb blog!
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
I like this blog its a master peace ! Glad I discovered this on google .
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers
Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.
There are certainly numerous particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice level to deliver up. I provide the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you bring up the place crucial thing will likely be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round issues like that, however I’m sure that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Each boys and girls feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Someone essentially assist to make seriously articles I’d state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular post amazing. Wonderful activity!
I intended to draft you that very small observation in order to give thanks again for your lovely basics you have discussed on this page. This is seriously generous with people like you to present without restraint all that a few people could possibly have offered for sale as an e book to earn some dough for themselves, precisely considering the fact that you could possibly have done it if you ever decided. The good ideas as well served as the fantastic way to realize that some people have a similar eagerness just like my very own to learn more and more with regard to this issue. I am certain there are millions of more pleasant instances up front for folks who examine your blog post.
Keep working ,remarkable job!
What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & assist other customers like its aided me. Great job.