Karin Lingnau, unreal, interactive installation, 2007
Based
on the 3D-game-engine of a first-person-shooter (computer-game) the
starting point of this installation is the subjective view of the
player, navigating through different virtual levels.
In the game itself a process of space-perspectives can be experienced through
subjective patterns of movement set into minimalistic surroundings and
repetitive scenarios. Therefore images of perception arise inside this
virtual ('unreal') walkabout in real-time.
Simulation of Space
The work 'unreal' is based on dealing with concepts of space and perception of spaces, in particular in dealing with space in reality and virtuality.
By using
the editor of the computer-game and first-person-shooter unreal tournament
possibilities to work with a real-time-processing 3D-engine offer
a direct/immediate and sensitive approach via 3D-modeling and texturized
aesthetics.
Main idea of the here shown constellation of spaces is to create areas
with a kind of pseudo-logic in architecture and to induce a false feeling
of logical movement inside this 'unreal' architecture.
Simplified
gangways, halls and passages produce a situation in which the user
thinks to reach some point or something special. But with the growingly
boring succession of spaces through which the user can lead himself
in his own speed and curiosity it's becoming clear that it's a never-ending
and exerting way through the whole artificial world.
The subjective view of the architecture “surrounding” the
user facilitate the individualistic approach/ progression and walking
on and on.
The user is permitted to follow him/herself in his/her own view without
ever seeing himself or someone else.
Repetition of Structuring and Formations
In the repetition
and resemblance to each other the passages are a walk-through without
any surprises or grand actions. They are generating a monotony and
likeness which bounces the user back to him/herself and his/her subjectivity.
This is a formal characteristic of the created maps.
As in respect of content the repetition of the spaces is becoming a redundancy
of surrounding and movement. The replication of space projected into
the real room in dimensions just capable for the human body to grasp
and to tolerate form a bond between the users perceptibility of space
and actual being in it.
Disorientation and Entanglement
In addition
to the seemingly endless movement the recurrent textures, light formations,
colors and formal architectural structures like stairways and semi-transparent
walls confound the user of this so-called game which has no end and
no beginning.
Digital Structures
Given the
possibilities which lie in a 3D-engine with real-time-processing-unit
to perform realities of individual liking in pseudo-realistic physics
and structuring of course the possibilities of space itself are indefinite.
Interesting is therefore the diversity which lie inside the virtual
aspects, the aesthetics of digitally influenced structures, the manifestations
of dreamlike architectural impossibilities.
So the combinations and recombinations become a source for a manifold
of virtual levels which can be explored.
Interactivity as Part of Installation
As an interactive installation the inclusion of the user is an essential part of the installation. They avail oneself in this worlds navigating as the driving force. The whole conception of the created environment is founded on and is working with the fantasy of the user, so the virtual in its abstraction can become real.
Karin Lingnau
Postgraduate Media Design
Academy of Media Arts
Cologne 2007