How would you describe the person you are? And how do you “reflect” your personality, digitally?
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Those are the questions which Minneapolis-based immersive art experience “Quantum Mirror” explores.
Quantum Mirror, an interactive art installation, by new-media artist Adrian Stein, is a complex infinity room which has been described as “mind-bending”. It explores the ways we express aspects of ourselves while asking: where does the line blur, between us, as humans, and our technology?
Thought-provoking, transcendent and “trippy” are all adjectives which visitors have used to describe it.
And Matt Foreman might describe Quantum Mirror as “creatively inspiring”.
Matt is the Lead Developer at REM5 Virtual Reality Lab and REM5 Studios–Minneapolis’ premier virtual reality lab and event space. REM5 specializes in introducing newcomers to virtual reality, as well as utilizing VR to revolutionize education.
Once he saw Adrian’s work, he knew he wanted to create virtual-reality content, to accompany the installation.
Working under direction from both Adrian and the REM5 VR team, Matt designed a virtual-reality introductory experience called “Quantum Mirror VR’. Visitors interact with an alternate world which prepares them for their Quantum Mirror experience, prior to entering Adrian’s infinity room installation.
Matt had one month to create this “Quantum Mirror VR” component, before the Quantum Mirror installation opened to the public at REM5 Studios.
Matt talked about his creative journey, shared some of his lessons learned (which would apply to any creative project!), and offered a look at what’s next.
On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:
- How Matt first discovered his passion for creating virtual reality;
- The story behind his creation of Quantum Mirror VR;
- A “no-spoilers” look at what visitors can expect to experience in Quantum Mirror VR;
- Where Matt and the REM5 VR team might like to see Quantum Mirror VR expand, in the future;
- Matt’s creative journey, developing this VR experience;
- Takeaways for fellow creatives who are bringing a large project to life with limited time (VR or otherwise!);
- The most fun Matt had, during this creative process;
- His favorite memories of the day the Quantum Mirror VR application launched in tandem with Quantum Mirror at REM5 VR Lab;
- A great creative lesson, from that day!;
- Matt’s favorite “user reaction” from anyone experiencing Quantum Mirror VR;
- A closer look at what REM5 VR is doing with REM5 for Good;
- Resources for anyone who’d like to start developing virtual reality applications;
- What’s next, for REM5 VR.