Underwater-An-Ting and Ian Gallagher
Underwater effortlessly pairs incredible digital imagery with astounding musical performance to create something inspiring.
Mixed-media immersive experiences have become increasingly popular. Some displaying upmost innovation transporting viewers to other worlds, with others overly relying on gimmicks and unimaginative imagery. Underwater by Lost Communications is very much the former utilising cutting-edge technology to allow audiences to experience an otherworldly underwater universe.
Attendees filed into the brand new NUA Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab, unbeknownst to the visual delights awaiting them. An-ting stood hooded at a set of decks, with a luminous bowl of water before her. Ian sitting next to her in an ominous squid like mask at the controls of the computer.
The experience began with the viewers floating through a shallow canyon, accompanied by ethereal synth-based soundtracks. As the camera dove deeper, the environments began to truly flourish. Massive coral-like structures made up of thousands of bright dots flickered and danced around the massive screens on display. Bellowing whale calls, rhythmic seal calls and whooshing of waves filled the room. Vibrant blues, deep violets, vibrant reds and radiant oranges lit up the room.
An-Ting recited a Shakespearean esq spoken word piece accompanying the almost alien-like visual-scapes.
The fluid structures took shapes resembling massive coral reefs, forests of seaweed, and mysterious ghostlike outlines of undersea creatures. At no point was there a clear shot of a specific shape or animal, just vague outlines. This alluded to the real mystery that the ocean presents, with so much of it undiscovered and untouched by man. It was a poignant reminder that what we see on the surface, is only a minute part of the rest of planet earth.
One section had massive skyscraper like buildings, constructed and demolished in an explosion on loop sparking a sense of fear and violence. This starkly contrasted with the serenity in the depths of the ocean. It reminded the viewer that mankind are tyrants of society, always building upwards just to inevitably end up destroying itself. Thus, affecting the natural world around us.
The piece didn’t feel like a linear narrative, rather a leaving and breathing ecosystem. It invited viewers to succumb to its visual and audible euphoria leaving the real world behind. The shapes and figures on the screen eventually transitioned into looking like planets and stars looking not too dissimilar to the expanse of the ocean. We know similarly little about what is out there in space, with a similarly massive sense of scale and untouched discoveries.
Underwater effortlessly pairs incredible digital imagery with astounding musical performance to create something inspiring. Whilst the piece utilises AI Technology that many may critique for ethical and sustainability concerns, the outcome is insightful and awe inspiring. Perhaps it demonstrates a responsible use of AI to maintain artistic integrity, particularly as this piece included contribution of live performances and theatrics. But with the well evidenced impact of AI on increased water usage and climate change, a case could be made for creating this experience without it. Particularly as it so heavily commentates on the fragility and true beauty of the natural world. Overall, though, the production was truly unique, experimenting with technology in a beautiful way.
