Over the past 23 years, MUTEK has gained worldwide recognition as a festival presenting cutting-edge audiovisual performances — works that innovate to create a new language of sound and images. MUTEK’s latest project, the Immersive Collection, opens up a new chapter for the organization, marking its first steps as an extended reality (XR) content producer.
Five artists have stepped up to the challenge of reinventing shows previously performed at the festival into an XR artwork. Each artist was selected due to the acclaim of their original performance, their complementary sources of expertise and their willingness to experiment. The result is an eclectic yet coherent set of three projects ranging from contemplative to surreal to dynamic: Entanglement XR by France Jobin & Markus Heckmann, House of Moiré by Chloe Alexandra Thompson & Matthew Edwards and Immortelle by Line Katcho.
Neither documentary nor classic fiction, concert nor game, these works defy traditional genres, defining a new category of audiovisual XR experiences that are deployed from original concepts, non-traditional narratives and advanced digital creation tools. They combine abstract and figurative interpretations, spatialized sound design, radiant visuals and the playful and persevering mindsets of artists venturing into new grounds.
Published on several online content stores such as Steam, the Immersive Collection is part of Astrea’s catalog, the largest international distributor of immersive productions.
-
Entanglement XR
France Jobin (CA), Markus Heckmann (CA/DE)
Entanglement distills quantum physics into a swooping sensorial experience. It illustrates the concept of entanglement, an uncanny scientific phenomenon defying explanation. The piece oscillates between four theories: the fluidity of time, multiverse, Copenhagen interpretation and decoherence.
-
House of Moiré
Chloe Alexandra Thompson (CA/US), Matthew Edwards (US)
House of Moiré invites users into a void-like realm of transforming audiovisual architecture. In self-directed exploration, the viewer advances through rooms dressed in optical patterns, audio-visual programming, and minimalist spatial design.
-
Immortelle
Line Katcho (CA)
Immortelle is an atmospheric and figurative work illustrating the flights and falls of psychological endurance. Featuring a cathartic flux of sonic and visual fragments, this unpredictable piece opens a door onto how a mind in internal turmoil redefines the outside world.
About
MUTEK is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination and development of digital creativity in sound, music and audiovisual art. Its mandate is to provide a platform for the most original and visionary artists currently working in their fields, with the intent of providing an outlet of initiation and discovery for developing audiences. MUTEK’s principal activity is the annual presentation of its festival, which takes place in Montréal, and will see its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Credits
MUTEK Immersive Collection
Producer: Katharina Meissner
Production Manager: Lola Baraldi
Curator: Alain Mongeau
Visual Identity: Tamara Manny D’Astous
Communications: Lola Baraldi, Thomas Giboudeaux, Grégoire Chevron
MUTEK acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
