The Temple of Illusions is an exploration of optical illusions within virtual reality. Set in a Greek temple enclosed within in a mystical forest, the audience is invited to observe and experience three optical illusions (Ruben's Vase, The Dragon Illusion and the Tri-zonal Space Warper).

 

The idea stems from the notion that virtual reality is itself an illusion (of place, plausibility and presence) made possible via our sensory organs and computer graphics. I’m interested in seeing optical illusions in reality transfer to virtual reality, but especially the moments when certain physiological illusions experienced cannot be digitally documented.

 

There is this philosophical ponder into the duality of realness: what you have experienced is undoubtedly real, but you can’t prove it. Even in a simulation where every pixel is controlled and monitored, it escapes the digital surveillance, and only exists in a pure corporeal sense. As we strive for better graphics and hyperrealistic experiences, it is worth taking an occasional step back to consider the perceptual nature virtual reality - or indeed any human experiences.

​

Made over a weekend in Unity.

Link to Jerry Andrus's Tri-zonal Space Warper:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKXZhLuNH2k