VIDEO: World’s first virtual reality exhibition opens today

Saturday 16 September 2017

Today, Flux Zero, the world’s first virtual reality exhibition will premiere at Liberty Wharf.

Flux Zero will mix virtual reality, creative art and experiential events to allow artists and visitors to "step into a dream world where there are no limits."

The free exhibition, which is going to be held in Unit 16 of Liberty Wharf from 10:00 until 16:00, will showcase the work of 10 local artists - Abi Overland, Sam Carney, Danny Romeril, Will Romeril, Oli Nightingale, Will Bertram, Kerry-Jane Warner, Bora, Kumo and Sam Bullock.

The artists have been creating original pieces using virtual reality tools. The pieces will be displayed in three different formats at Liberty Wharf: in a virtual reality booth to allow visitors to step into the paintings, as a projection to see every brush stroke being added to the piece as well as being available as physical 2D prints and 3D models. 

Video: One of the Flux artists, Ben Robertson, working on his original creation for today's exhibition.

The project was put together by the teams behind digital marketing company Snap.je and Virtual Reality Jersey. The two companies were offered a year's free membership as well as desk space at the Digital Jersey Hub after winning a competition sponsored by NatWest. While the two men behind them hadn't met before the competition, they sat down at the Hub and started throwing ideas around. From their conversations came the idea of holding the first virtual reality art exhibition to put Jersey at the forefront of technology.

Following the exhibition, there will also be an exclusive event including a projection show, themed cocktails and technical clothing with the aim to blur the boundaries between reality and virtual reality. Tickets cost £32 each and are available on the Flux website.

Pictured: The team behind Flux want to let artists "step into a dream world where there are no limits" (Picture: Flux Facebook page).

The pop-up event has already gained the support of Digital Jersey and ArtHouse Jersey. Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, commented: “Virtual Reality is one of the latest technologies to bring both disruption and opportunity to traditional industries. For example, the use of Virtual Reality in treating patients with phobias, or allowing architects to provide VR walkthroughs of a building, is transforming the commercial and consumer experience. Digital Jersey is delighted to support this event, bringing together artists with technologists to encourage the development of new skills and new business ideas.”

Tom Dingle, Director of ArtHouse, said: “ArtHouse Jersey is committed to supporting the development of new creative work and we see virtual reality both as an exciting tool in the making process, and of course as a growing platform to showcase and share experiences. We were immediately excited about the immersive potential presented by this fast-growing technology. It illustrates the symbiotic benefits of artists and technologists collaborating on innovative content. With the Virtual Reality Jersey and Snap.je teams behind it here in the Island, we hope that this will be a taster of great things to come!”