Virtual Reality Art by Kevin Mack
Anandala is a virtual, abstract art installation unconstrained by the limits of reality. It is designed to inspire awe, engage the imagination, and enhance well-being through shape, color, motion, sound, spatial presence, and perpetual novelty. Anandala's labyrinthine structure is built on three concentric, connected, icosahedrons that form a five-dimensional representation of the most complex of the Platonic solids. Visitors explore this vast three-dimensional mandala of evolving shapes and colors with the freedom of personal flight, like flying in a dream. Anandala combines the Sanskrit words, Ananda (bliss) and Mandala (a geometric figure representing the Universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism).
Abstract, artificial life entities, called Blorts, inhabit Anandala. Each shape-shifting Blort is unique and exhibits complex emergent behavior. Blorts express themselves and interact with visitors and each other through their movement, changing color textures, and their own musical language. They are native to VR and lack many of our limitations, but they are aware of themselves and others. Their purpose, form and function are aesthetic and beneficial. The Blort's Intrinsically motivated behavior is performed for its own sake, and not in pursuit of extrinsic goals. Anandala invites visitors to observe, interact, and emotionally connect with unique, expressive lifeforms and explore their natural habitat.
The vast possibilities inherent in the development of intelligent artificial life naturally inspires an abundance of dystopian speculation. Anandala presents a positive alternative, a virtual world of intelligent artificial life that is free of suffering, conflict, and the struggle to survive, where aesthetic self expression, social interaction, exploration, and the search for novelty are paramount.
Anandala integrates the diverse elements of my creative practice, from artificial life to the science of awe. It is an exploration of nature, reality and consciousness and an expression of my aesthetic ideal. The processes and inspirations behind Anandala may be complex, but the intention is simple, to engage the imagination and inspire the transcendent experience of awe and mystery.
Anandala Video Clips