FIELD creates sculptural virtual reality helmets for Violescence exhibition

These sculptural helmets by digital art studio FIELD incorporate Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets (+ movie).

Violescence/Forays by FIELD

FIELD‘s Quasar project comprises three wearable sculptures designed to be worn by visitors to the studio’s solo exhibition in London, titled Violescence.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD

“We worked really closely with Studio Makecreate who fabricated the helmets,” FIELD managing director Vera-Maria Glahn told Dezeen.

“They were amazing partners in achieving the forms and finishes that we were after, and making the sculptures wearable at the same time.”

Violescence/Forays by FIELD

To create the headsets, a mould was taken of a head wearing the Oculus Rift device and headphones, which was used as the base for all three pieces.



Layers of fibreglass, resin, polypropylene and other synthetic materials were then built up to form the exaggerated shapes.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD

The virtual reality (VR) headsets are fixed inside so the full devices fit snugly over the wearers’ heads.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Still from the VR headset experience

“Each of the sculptures is the result of a very elaborate manual process – a strong contrast to the digital tools that we started the design process with in the studio,” said Glahn.

“And yet, the iterative steps of moulding, shaping, layering and carving are quite similar in 3D tools and simulations as in manual processes.”

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Still from the VR headset experience

In each of the sculptures, the VR headsets offer different interactive audio-visual experiences that are intended to present journeys and emotions of three personas – representing aggression, sensitivity and inquisitiveness.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Forays-Scan I – Vestibular. Image courtesy of Sedition

“Viewers dive into a graphical galaxy filled with sound and music, which they control with their arm gestures and viewing direction: a continuous process of creation, modification and destruction of a visual and sound composition,” Glahn said.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Forays-Scan II – Thermoception. Image courtesy of Sedition

FIELD created the software used to produce the immersive sounds and imagery. Participants wear a wristband sensor that recognises arm gestures using acceleration and gyroscope data.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Forays-Scan III – Somasexual. image courtesy of Sedition

The solo exhibition, presented by digital art platform Sedition, also includes a series of four animations and four digital prints titled Forays.

Violescence/Forays by FIELD
Forays-Scan IV – Kinesthesia, Image courtesy of Sedition

“The works represent landscapes, architecture and objects of the future as seen by the artist, and foreshadow the change in the perception of reality by future generations through the influence of contemporary technology,” said FIELD.

Violescence is taking place at The Hospital Club in London’s Covent Garden from 29 to 31 May 2015.

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