Symbiosis
Symbiosis / VR installation / Polymorf / Netherlands / 2023
Experience what it is like to be a different creature in an altered version of reality.
Symbiosis is a VR experience that turnes self-evident reality upside down.
How does it feel to be a slime mould? Or a toad? Or a plant? The virtual reality experience Symbiosis from the Dutch collective Polymorf is a unique experience for all the senses. Wearing a specially designed haptic suit, you temporarily escape the familiarity of the human body and experience the world from a new perspective.
Symbiosis is inspired by the work of biologist and philosopher Donna Haraway. In the current age in which the climate and atmosphere are changing as a result of human activity, she is thinking about a future in which humans have a less central place and are willing to share power with non humans.
Symbiosis hints at a future life in true symbiosis with other organisms and technologies on this planet. To complete the multi-sensory experience, the virtual world participants are presented with is supplemented with smells, soft robotics and plant-based snacks tailored to each creature.
In cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
With the support of Mitteldeutsche Medienforderung.