Content Creation
Parthenium
Parthenium is an experience in Mixed Reality that allows the viewer to interact with my artwork. The elements in the scene were created using Figmin XR.
I‘Parthenium’ was showcased at the European Grand Gallery of the RISD museum, as part of a collection of student projects.
Overview of the Project
Brief
The European Grand Gallery in the RISD Museum showcases a one dimensional perspective of certain colonial influences.
The project invited us to create a commentary on the concept of decolonisation within the physical space of the gallery, using extended reality.
My Artist Statement
(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The country of India has faced several instances of colonisation over the course of its history. This has played an integral role in the identity of the country and the people who inhabit it.
While the act of decolonisation itself is deeply rooted in oppression and violence, this chapter in a country’s history gives rise to communities with their own unique practices and pride.
Their identities would not exist without colonisation, and cannot be ignored or erased post independence.
Examples of this include the Anglo Indian community in India, a product of British colonisation of the country, as well as religious and cultural practices reminiscent of Portuguese colonisation that are still seen in areas such as Goa.
Picture of Anglo Indian family taken by Adira Thekkuveettil, taken from Business Standard article
'Parthenium’ is a visualisation of a unique identity built off of a colonised space.
The mixed reality scene features natural elements that grow from the architecture of the European Grand Gallery, and draw from its colours, but are a different medium altogether.
It is titled ‘Parthenium’ after the hardy plant that thrives in harsh circumstances.
Closer look at the elements
Interaction Design
The flowers can be collected by aiming the VR controller at them and pressing the trigger. They can then be manoeuvred with movements of the controller until they are unselected.
The flowers can be rooted on stems, tree trunks or even on the surface of a pond. Through the interaction, participants can build unique floral structures and root them in the space of the gallery.
