A Unique Exhibition Experience at Gasometer Oberhausen
The former Gasometer, now a spectacular venue for exhibitions and events, is an impressive structure in itself. Its towering height and open interior create a unique atmosphere that is especially suitable for immersive, large-scale projections and installations. The current exhibition, “PLANET OCEAN,” takes full advantage of this space, transporting visitors into a world that remains hidden and unknown for many: the oceans. Through the exhibition, the beauty and fragility of this fascinating habitat are brought vividly to life.
At the center of the exhibition are breathtaking photographs and films by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Brian Skerry, which powerfully document the diversity and fragility of life in the oceans. Particularly captivating was the giant projection of Earth, floating majestically in the middle of the Gasometer – a symbolic representation of our blue planet, appearing stable at first glance but teeming with dynamic processes and ecological challenges upon closer inspection.
Inspiration for the “Digital Nature” Course
In the “Digital Nature” course, we explore the translation of natural structures and phenomena into digital media using the TouchDesigner software. Observations from the exhibition sparked numerous new ideas and provided food for thought. The different representations and animations of underwater worlds, wave dynamics, and the movement of fish schools, coral reefs, and plankton mirrored the exact types of phenomena we aim to digitally capture in our course.
Some students showed particular interest in the fluid dynamics of the oceans, portrayed in the exhibition both as film footage and interactive visualizations. These depictions could directly serve as foundations for TouchDesigner projects in which fluid dynamics are digitally transformed, for example, into simulated lava flows.
This excursion illustrated how diverse natural phenomena are skillfully brought to life in the exhibition through media and artistry. The students observed the importance of sound analysis and artistic interpretation for digital implementation and how TouchDesigner can aid in creating vivid visualizations of complex phenomena and processes.
Stimuli for the “Mixed Reality Art” Course
The “Mixed Reality Art” course caters to students working at the intersection of art, design, and media technology who develop their concepts and prototypes. The “PLANET OCEAN” exhibition offered valuable real-world examples to showcase the interdisciplinary focus of the course. Immersive experiences and interactive installations provided students with insights into the current landscape of artistic research in digital media and Mixed Reality.
The large-format imagery and film footage were particularly inspiring for contemplating new concepts for motion-based interfaces and projections. The portrayal of oceans through projections demonstrated how Mixed Reality technologies could evoke strong emotional responses and inspire viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature. These experiences encourage students to find their topics within our course and develop creative solutions for implementing Mixed Reality Art projects.
An Inspiring Journey into the Depths of the Oceans
The “PLANET OCEAN” exhibition was an inspirational experience for students in the “Digital Nature” and “Mixed Reality Art” courses. It provided a chance to experience theoretical content and artistic concepts in a real-world setting and sparked new ideas for their projects. The oceans, presented here in their full complexity and beauty, remind us of the importance of not only observing nature but also understanding its structures and phenomena and interpreting them creatively.
For the students, this was an enriching experience that deepened their understanding of the challenges and potentials of digital and immersive media. They were encouraged to apply what they learned to their projects and take their ideas to the next level – whether through developing interactive visualizations in TouchDesigner or creating Mixed Reality experiences that explore the intersection of art, technology, and environmental awareness.
We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this inspiring excursion in the coming months and witnessing how the students will integrate their impressions into their projects. The “PLANET OCEAN” exhibition powerfully demonstrated how art and science can work hand in hand to bring the wonders of nature closer to us in new and impressive ways.