Lago | Giovanni Santini XR Artist

LAGO VR variations on a space

Variations on a space

Mutuated from the musical form of variation on a theme, the concept of variation on a space applies to space similar principles of transformation that are commonly applied to sound. In such a context, the realistic element (a tree for example, or a water surface) becomes the seed, from which other ideas emerge (for example, a particle swarm, evolving into a cloud from a tree shape).

Techniques of image processing are used to represent different versions of the same space: the lake. In fact, the user always keeps travelling (paddling) through the same exact area. However, with different lenses and different...physics. The principle of variation, in fact, is also applied to the interaction itself. Although very simple in principles (the user only needs to paddle), the way the environment or the virtual elements react to the motion undergo some modifications. One for all: the user can paddle not only through space, but also through time.

LAGO - View of some versions of the lake environment

Interwoven existence

Lago has been presented as the VR component within the collective digital-physical installation "Interwoven Existence", in collaboration with artists Zhonghao Chen, Juan Carlos Vasquez, Isadora Petrauskas and Andrew O'Dowd. In the context of the installation, which recreates a stylized forest made of reeds cut around Suzhou Taihu Lake, Lago is a bridge between the man-made space of the physical installation into the natural space the reeds come from. At the same time, "Interwoven Existence" adds one more layer to the net of realities unravelled inside Lago. It also adds sensorial elements, most noticeably the smell components carried by the reeds, which contribute to the immersivity. The installation has its own sound design (by Juan Carlos Vasquez) and for this reason Lago, at the moment, only features wind sounds, to allow a seamless blend with the sound design of "Interwoven Existence".

The installation has been presented at "Zijing Award", Nangjing, Hanshan Museum, Suzhou, inside the exhibition "Future Archives", and at Ars Electronica, Linz.

LAGO - Visitors trying the VR experience inside the installation at Ars Electronica