Blindscape at Next Wave

The Next Wave Festival is in full swing this week, and one of the most innovative projects is Blindscape, presented by circus artist and game developer Skye Gellmann. Blindscape involves an interactive environment where the audience navigates their way through a virtual circus performance using an iPhone app whilst encapsulated in a 3D soundscape of darkness.

The concept explores the idea of perception, encouraging the audience to immerse, interact and participate in order to experience the work, as well as challenging the line between the real and unreal.

“Audiences must activate themselves, the space, and the technology”, producer of the project, Gareth Hart, tells Milk Bar. “Blindscape works towards new viewing experiences.”

This experience is heightened through the talented circus performances streamed on the iPhone app, as the audience guide themselves into a virtual performance that they have the ability to shape and control.

The project was originally born in 2005, when Gellmann and fellow artist Dylan Sale founded the initial concept. Since then, the idea has been resurrected for the Next Wave Festival. “It seemed natural to combine my two passions, circus and game development. Blindscape found its time through the iPhone” Gellmann explains.

A fusion of skilful circus art and modern technology, the project exploits the relationship between man and technology through a three dimensionally stimulating performance.

Blindscape plays from 19-23 May, 25-27 May at the Arts House, Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne. For more information and to book visit nextwave.org.au/event/blindscape