Duration: 5:45

In this work the artist explores the inner world of the brain, the connection between virtual and real humans, and the sensations when immersed in artificial nature. 

INSIDE consists of three worlds: the Night Desert, the Brain Cave and Nature. We begin in the desert where a mysterious presence appears and enters our personal space then transports us to a place inside the brain. As we explore this primordial cave of the brain, originating from MRI data of brain scans, we discover deeply ingrained images and sounds. Our journey continues with a ride through the optic nerve to arrive at what appears to be a soothing natural landscape.   

Virtual worlds can be like hallucinations - another reality leaking into our “real” world. In fact, inside the virtual brain, the Brain Cave, we find imagery of hallucinations that have been commonly reported over time. 

INSIDE considers provocative questions around the uncanny ability of virtual reality to confound our sensory perception and blur reality as we know it. What is the role of the body in VR? What happens inside of us when inside virtual worlds? Can we find peace and pleasure in artificial nature as the real world of nature disappears?

Credits

INSIDE (2016)
by Rebecca Allen

Artist Assistants:
Lead: Theo Triantafyllidis
Alex Rickett
Lander

Audio Effects:
Mike D’Errico
Samson Klitsner
 
Special Thanks for Brain model data:
Dr. Adam Gazzaley
Roger Anguera
Neuroscape Lab
University of California San Francisco

Exhibition History

- Rebecca Allen: Sync(Emerge(Consciousness))  Solo exhibition including premiere of commissioned VR installation – Life Without Matter and selected older works, QUAD Gallery, Derby, UK. November 9, 2108 – February 3, 2019.
- Field of View: Perception,  The Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA.  October 2017.
- Moving Image New York,  The Waterfront, New York, NY.  February 27 - March 2, 2017.
- Toute Seule, Premiere of INSIDE, Gazelli Art House,  London, UK. January 12 - February 26, 2017.