‘SENSE OF WONDER: a feeling of awakening or awe triggered by an expansion of one's awareness of what is possible or by confrontation with the vastness of space and time, as brought on by reading science fiction.’
Our lives are increasingly shifting towards the digital. Artists, too, have made attempts - successful or not - to attract spectators in virtual worlds. This evolution is irreversible, not to replace physical experiences, but to create new art forms and to tap into new audiences.
These experiences are only valuable when everyone involved – artists, performers, spectators - feels included within the virtual surroundings. The portal - the entrance to this experience – has a crucial role to play in this.
How can the transition between the real and the virtual be constructed in such a way, that those involved feel part of the virtual environment?
Concepts such as storytelling, interaction, presence, and immersion are vital in defining this transition.
During this PhD trajectory several experiments combining these concepts will be set up, in order to construct various portals in the form of performances and/or installations.
Promotors: Steven Humblet (Academy) and Jouke Verlinden (UAntwerp)
