One of the leading pioneers of digital and virtual artworks, Miguel Chevalier is constantly pushing the boundaries of the immersive art experience through his site-specific multisensory installations. A new short film, released this week by Chevalier’s longtime videographer Claude Mossessian, shows footage of a new Magic Carpet installation the French artist designed for the 2016 Milton Keynes International Festival in Buckinghamshire, England. In the project's previous iterations, Magic Carpets have illuminated the floors of a dormant cathedral in Morocco as well as 13th century Italian castle. This year, Chevalier’s canvas spreads across the floor of Middleton Hall plaza of the Milton Keynes Shopping Center.
Advertisement
Chevalier illuminates the floor by projecting an assortment of vibrant kaleidoscopic patterns inspired by the shapes, forms, and imagery associated with Milton Keynes’ constructivist urban landscapes. The installation incorporates presence sensors on the ground floor of the plaza so Chevalier’s psychedelic graphics seamlessly change with and respond to visitors’ movements, making it a fully interactive experience. Visitors can manipulate different elements of a pattern just by moving their feet.“The spectator is immersed in a world of colors, moving forms and travels into an imaginary and poetic game of optical illusions,” writes the project's description. The visual component works in tandem with what the festival is a calling a ‘mobile’ musical score entitled Sound Spheres that was specifically written for this piece by composer Ray Lee. As they walk onto the floor, visitors are given the option to carry a silver sphere that plays sound corresponding with the changes taking place on the floor, giving the visitor and even greater sense of control over the installation. See it in action below:
ONE EMAIL. ONE STORY. EVERY WEEK. SIGN UP FOR THE VICE NEWSLETTER.
By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content.
