A leading online journal has published research into the possibilities of virtual reality (VR) for movement-based artists, conducted by Head of Creative & Contextual Studies at NSCD, James Else.
‘Climbing the Virtual Stepladder: Exploring the Reality of Virtual Worlds in Performance‘ features in ‘Body, Space and Technology’ (BST), a leading journal of contemporary artistic practice and research. BST publishes research into artistic practices that engage with digital technologies, particularly relating to bodily interaction and creativity, and in multi-disciplinary perspectives. The research was jointly funded by the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD) and NSCD.
"VR destabilises an understanding of our ‘self’ in space" (Else, 2018)
Else’s research is based on findings from practical sessions. Working with Jennifer-Lynn Crawford (independent dance artist and body work practitioner) and Ben Skinner (independent dance and visual artist), the group used HTC Vive to explore room-scale virtual environments. Using Google Tilt Brush to draw and map the space, the research team progressed to integrate real-world objects in space with virtual equivalents, opening up questions around perception and reality.
The research suggests a blurring of distinctions between performer and spectator within the virtual environment. It also explores the effects of VR on self-perception through participant testimonial.
Read the full article online, here.
James Else is responsible for the Creative & Contextual curriculum on the Access, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses at NSCD. His teaching practice covers Film, Music, Creative and Contextual studies. His research interests
