Passing Electrical Storms

Passing Electrical Storms responds to the challenge of simulating the process of dying without causing distress. Inspired by the Eames’ Powers of 10, the project integrated philosophical insights and scientific research into death to craft a VR experience that is both immersive and contemplative. Safety mechanisms and user controls ensure comfort while allowing participants to reflect on mortality. Extensive user testing informed adjustments to visual, haptic, and audio elements, achieving a balance between technical excellence and emotional resonance. The result is a transformative experience that encourages deep reflections on life and death, delivered through a meticulously designed VR setup.

Passing Electrical Storms offers a pioneering VR journey exploring death, presented at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV during Melbourne Now. The project innovatively merges art and technology, simulating the death process within a sensitively designed, accessible space. Design challenges included creating a fully immersive environment that was safe and inclusive. Solutions included adjustable haptic feedback, mobility aid accessibility, and UVC cleaning stations for hygiene. Special beds simulated cardiac sensations, while wind effects mimicked cosmic travel. The design process involved extensive testing and ethical considerations, ensuring a profound experience without distress, making abstract concepts of mortality tangibly immersive.

Passing Electrical Storms has dramatically influenced art, technology, psychology, and environmental sustainability. Exhibited at NGV’s Melbourne Now, it attracted about 500,000 visitors, indicating significant societal engagement. Internationally, it received extensive media coverage, reflecting its global impact. The VR installation not only provided a novel approach to experiencing mortality but also adhered to environmental principles by using sustainable materials and practices, like compostable plastic components. The installation’s integration into Museum Victoria’s collection ensures ongoing accessibility and educational use, reinforcing its lasting cultural and educational contributions to both local and global audiences.

The VR setup’s integration of personal biometrics enhances the individual experience, while the game engine’s advanced visuals innovatively expand upon the Powers of 10 film. This unique blend of technology and personalisation offers a deeply individual and scientifically enriched exploration of life and death.