The exploration of virtual reality technologies as an artistic post-medium

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between virtual reality (VR) technologies, and the posthuman aspect associated with the use of such devices. By analysing the theories of post-humanist discourse, VR related art and its uses as an artistic medium. Moreover, it will analyse the artist’s role in the exploration for the purpose of artistic expression through the use of new media technologies with the aim of creating an immersive virtual reality environment that represents the artists as subject when interacting with these media. This project is exploratory by nature, as the devices such as Microsoft Kinect, webcam and mobile phones were used. This allowed for direct interaction with these new media technologies, which helped in gathering computer generated data form the physical world and transfer it to the virtual space. The aim is to show that VR technologies can be used with the intent of being a tool for the artist to explore, similarly to how the traditional painter uses paint and brush to create his artwork. However, this project is limited to the creation of a piece which can be viewed online, therefore the final presentation of the work will be a 360 video of the immersive environment. The exploration of VR, when it is viewed as a tool alongside other technological devices as artistic media, is not a new phenomenon; particularly when associated with Post-human philosophy. But, to my knowledge, this is not explored to its full potential and so this research will have to be developed further.