“shamelessly banal”
2022-2023
VR narrative - Unreal Engine
Originally conceived as a concept art in Unreal Engine, "shamelessly banal" is now being developed as an interactive VR installation that will allow viewers to take control of the astronaut in a variety of ways, including voice commands and joysticks or gamepads. Non-player characters (NPCs) will also be incorporated into the narrative, adding an element of personalization and interactivity.
The inspiration for "shamelessly banal" stems from an earlier project titled "The universal view melts things into a blur" (2019), which was conceived as a game concept. In this iteration, the astronaut, having completed their journey around Earth, seeks solace in a virtual "escape room" where they can interact with Earthlings to alleviate their loneliness and boredom.
The term "shamelessly banal" is used to describe the astronaut's repetitive and monotonous journey through space, as well as their coping mechanism of constantly narrating the same story. The astronaut has become so accustomed to their routine that they no longer see anything special or remarkable about their experiences, accepting their banality without shame.
The astronaut's experience of banality mirrors the increasing prevalence of unoriginality and repetition in contemporary culture. In the age of the internet, where information is readily accessible and shared on a global scale, there is a growing sense of intellectual exhaustion and a tendency to recycle existing ideas and trends. The astronaut's repetitive narration, a coping mechanism for their monotonous journey, echoes the repetitive nature of many online interactions. Social media feeds, news cycles, and even our own conversations often feel like endless loops of the same information and opinions.
The inclusion of NPCs in the VR installation further emphasizes the theme of banality. These non-player characters represent the vast and faceless audiences of online platforms, where our interactions often feel superficial and devoid of meaningful connection.
