A Self-reflective Exploration in the Intersection of Synesthesia and Virtual Reality

Abstract

The thesis project consists of the written component and two artistic practices: an interactive sound installation titled Orange and a VR performance titled Actuality as a part of the MFA degree show Kuvan Kevät 2024. In this project, self-reflection was a central method as a part of the artistic process and it was explored in the two different scopes of performative and sculptural practices.

Orange was an interactive sculptural installation displayed next to two large scale windows covered with an orange plastic film. The installation was conceived as an abstract form of self-portrait. This portrait was then reinterpreted through personal synesthetic perception and a desire to be seen and acknowledged as I define myself. The materials were chosen based on personal synesthetic experiences of color, sound, texture and interaction. In terms of the aesthetic appearance and ambiance, black synthetic hair, a head object, technical components for interaction, and orange colored window films were employed. The technological components were installed to trigger an interactive communication with viewers. To reflect on the cognitive pathway in my synesthetic experiences, human presence was required to stimulate the sound interplay from the audience and this intercommunication was stressed. My aim with the hairy creature was to bodily enlarge the method of self-reflection and perceive it as personal representation.

Actuality was 14 hours of live-streaming VR performance executed in one of the metaverses called VRChat and it was conducted in the allocated space right in front of the staircase on the 2nd floor in the Mylly building. In this project, the objectives were to investigate my selfhood in the virtual universe and discover my new persona and values that emerged in the metaverse by engaging anonymous users. Alongside, positionality and accountability were elucidated in the questions of possible transition of ego and the environment of VR world. As the result was shaped in the intense moment of performative practice, hidden identity including altered attitude and demeanor was unveiled and I came to terms with the coexistence of two different personae.

While the themes of synesthesia and virtual reality seemed unrelated, both experiences led me to similar outcomes established in self-perception, unhindered by positionality in hierarchy and physical appearance. Simultaneously, self-determination and integrity were primarily positioned in the navigated introspection of subjects of synesthesia and VR world to promote the process of self-reflection in the projects of Orange and Actuality.