Garden Of Edan

Garden of Eden is an innovative mixed-reality art project that blends dance, virtual reality technology and physical interaction to explore the boundaries and interactions between the real and virtual worlds. Set in a barren physical space contrasted with a vibrant virtual environment, the project challenges our perception of reality and provokes deep reflection on how advancing technology may be changing our sensory experiences and social choices. Through this artistic endeavor, we investigate the potential future where virtual reality may mask or replace less-than-perfect aspects of the real world, questioning whether humans are meant to confront or escape the flaws of reality.

The production of "Garden of Eden" began with the creation of a visually stunning virtual landscape using Unity. In parallel, one of our team members took on the unique task of constructing real-world models using LEGO. These models replicated the items and structures that would also appear in the virtual scene, ensuring a cohesive and interconnected experience between the two realms. Another team member utilized VR drawing software to create the corresponding virtual models of these items.
To bring the project to life, we invited three dancers, each with their own distinct style, to perform improvised dances within this mixed-reality setup. Wearing VR headsets, the dancers interacted with both the virtual and physical environments, their movements influenced by the dual realities they experienced. This setup not only highlighted the contrasts between the digital and physical worlds but also added a dynamic and unpredictable element to the performance, as each dancer's interpretation of the space and stimuli led to a unique artistic expression.

One of the significant challenges we faced during the production of "Garden of Eden" was related to the physical setting of the project, specifically the choice of a warehouse as the location for the real-world scene. Post-selection, we realized that the warehouse lacked the necessary power outlets to charge and operate the high-performance computers required for VR recording and rendering. This oversight could have severely limited our ability to capture the dancers’ performances and interact with the virtual environment effectively.

To address this issue, we opted for a practical solution: renting portable power generators. These mobile power sources provided the necessary electricity to support our computers and VR equipment throughout the production. By doing so, we ensured that our technological setup was fully functional, enabling uninterrupted recording and interaction within the virtual landscape crafted in Unity.

Moco - Dancer

Rosa Huang & Shihui Doris He - Virtual Environment Building

Alex Liu - Lego Model Builder

Christina Zhou - Virtual Model Builder

Tom Hu - Camera Man