Beta_space

Beta_space

Beta_space is a collaboration
between The Powerhouse Museum and Creativity and Cognition
Studios (CCS) at the University
of Technology, Sydney.
Creativity and Cognition Studios
University of Technology, Sydney

Beta_space is located within the Cyberworlds: computers and connections exhibition

 



Beta_space
Art – technology - experiment - discovery

The Powerhouse Museum and Creativity and Cognition Studios (CCS), University of Technology, Sydney collaborate to create Beta_space, an experimental environment where the public can engage with the latest research in art and technology.

Beta_space shows interactive artworks in development by CCS researchers and collaborators. These works are at different stages, from early prototype to end product. In all cases engagement with the public can provide critical information for further iterations of the art work or of the research. The name 'beta' refers to a new piece of software or hardware that needs testing and feedback from its users to help the project team to eliminate design and engineering errors.

Beta_space provides visitors to the Powerhouse Museum the chance to experience collaboration between art and technology, while information displays contextualise the role of CCS and Beta_space in this international field.

Beta_space is a working environment, a laboratory which yields valuable research outcomes. It allows the public the opportunity to be creatively involved in the development of new forms of artistic expression, while providing insight into the creative process of artists, technologists, and the experience of audiences.

The Seven Valleys
Artist: Chris Nelson
7 October - 15 November 2008
Free with Entry to the Museum

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The Seven Valleys is an interactive 3D installation based artwork inspired by the Bahá'í mystical treatise of the same name. Created as a modification of the first-person shooter Unreal Tournament 2003 it subverts the game to create an experience diametrically opposed to the original intent and gameplay.

The Seven Valleys presents an exploration of, and allusion to, the often subtle and illusive concepts found in the treatise. The user is invited to take an experiential journey through the Seven Valleys where they are faced with conditions and situations which motivate them to question, explore and attempt to fathom the deep issues presented in the work.

Each valley contains its own mysteries while also telling a collective story.

Chris Nelson lectures in Computer Game Design, 3D Graphics, Animation and Multimedia at the University of Ballarat , Australia. He has had a long standing passion for art and 3D graphics which led him to study a Bachelor in Applied Science in Computing in 1987. After this he went on to work as a programmer while continuing his creative practice in painting, drawing, photography and multimedia. His interest in comparative religion and mysticism drew him to the Bahá'í Faith in 1993.