"diatribes" : VR film & collective sensemaking
"In my experience diatribes are an attempt to make sense of a disappointing world. A meandering rant of ideas absorbed in and then regurgitated out with very little reflection in between. I think we are all guilty of performing this repulsion."
Join artist Veronica Graham - immersive storyteller, printmaker, curious and dynamic soul - at the Gray Area incubator November 15th for an afternoon of immersion and collective sensemaking.
Agenda:
2:30 - 2:45 --> Welcome to the room, icebreaker
2:45 - 3:10 --> Veronica Introduction, pairs for VR films
3:10 - 3:30 --> Witness & Return, 1st viewer in, 2nd viewer with prompt
3:30 - 3:50 --> Return & Witness, 2nd view in, 1st viewer builds on prompt
3:50 - 4:10 --> Co-building as pairs
4:10 - 4:30 --> Group share & closing circle
About Diatribes:
"Diatribes" is a poetic VR experience that explores the internal conflicts that arise when we’re confronted with the reality of climate change. In a 15-20 minute experience, you navigate a surreal mindspace filled with distractions and emotional turmoil. This dynamic world transforms based on your emotional state—sometimes inviting contemplation through meditative tasks, while at other times thrusting you into a high-stakes gauntlet between Nature and Civilization.
As you journey through diverse landscapes, you’ll unlock ancient myths and receive guidance from a therapeutic companion. The experience intertwines personal reflection with broader climate issues, encouraging us to confront our anxieties and envision a hopeful future.
PROJECT HISTORY:
Inspiration for “Diatribes” came from the ecological philosopher Timothy Morton's description of climate change as a “hyperobject” — a thing so massively distributed that you can’t see it in its entirety, but you can conceive it. To represent a concept like this we looked to surrealism, an artistic movement that is effective in depicting the unnerving, illogical scenes that surround us. The climate crisis is increasingly present in our daily lives, but understanding its enormity is still confusing for many, often triggering strong emotions that undermine constructive conversations. We hope this VR experience will encourage people to move towards open dialogue about our anxieties and make a space for people to discuss what is needed to take action towards a healthier future for the planet.
ABOUT Immersive Story Club
Immersive Story Club is a recurring group that taps into the deep and rich well of VR and AR art and stories from indie creators around the world. Each session is a unique experience that centers human in person connection. We pop up in different places, but have been able to incubate and grow thanks to Gray Area, a San Francisco–based nonprofit cultural incubator that cultivates collaboration across art, technology, science, and the humanities toward a more equitable and regenerative future. This is possible thanks to Agog, a philanthropic organization that brings together social-change agents, thinkers, and builders, helping them create new ways to learn, inspire, and collaborate through the use of immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.
Discord to join the community.
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Notes on ticketing:
$16.50 is the average cost of a movie ticket in the US, given this is a two hour gathering with light snacks and deep connection, we hope this amount is not outlandish. PLEASE consider this event NOTAFLOF without shame. As the organiser, I am often navigating my own uncertainties around financial futures - so I understand. This day will include the artist ON SITE and uses the space and equipment of Gray Area, so please know that we are still figuring out the costs and the division. In general, we are moving away from fully free gatherings and into a format that welcomes your contributions. You are welcome to come as you are without costs, add a few dollars if you can, donate after directly to Veronica (or fall in love with her work and support her by buying a print!), and/or contribute what you can to be a patron of this program, the theater, and the artist. All is ok 👍