PAINTED HORMONES

VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE

Oxytocin

Serotonin

Melatonin

Adrenalin

Masterthesis |  2021

This project explores the boundaries between painting, animation, and abstraction, while addressing the fusion of analog and digital materials, as well as space and virtuality. These components are merged into an immersive, multi-layered audiovisual work. This framework enables the investigation of the central research question: "How can paintings be translated and integrated into three-dimensional space?" The focus lies not only on the technical and visual characteristics of the paintings but also on the emotional impact on the viewer. Moods and paintings are intrinsically linked; just as the individual brushstroke is the cornerstone of a painting, different moods are rooted in biochemical processes. For instance, adrenaline triggers different emotional responses than melatonin, serotonin, or oxytocin.

To explore these ramifications, the practical component of this thesis, titled "Fluidum", visualizes these moods through immersive paintings. Each of the four virtual environments is dedicated to a specific hormone, reflected in its mood, animation, sound, and composition. The creative and conceptual decisions are grounded in a scientific investigation of the historical, technical, and cultural aspects of art, design, computer graphics, and immersive media.

Credits: 

SOUNDESIGN: Elisabeth Hacker