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IMMERSIVE ART: The Philippines’ First Multi-Sensorial Art Experience

This groundbreaking event aimed to engage the five senses of its audience, blending various art forms in a one-of-a-kind experience.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of IMMERSIVE ART
November 18, 2024

MIKE BARTICK, Blanket reflection

In an innovative move to engage all five senses, the SearchMindscape Foundation brought the Philippines’ first-ever multi-sensorial art experience to life. The event seamlessly combined live painting, music, performance art, underwater photography, large-scale digital projections, and interactive art installations, creating an immersive atmosphere for its one-day showcase.

Engaging the Five Senses

Ayni Nuyda of SearchMindscape Foundation explained that the goal of IMMERSIVE ART was to activate all five senses by presenting diverse forms of art in a single, unified experience.

“It’s like witnessing art in real-time, much like attending a live concert versus watching it on television,” Nuyda said, capturing the essence of the event’s unique concept.

Into the Depths of the Seas

Titled Of Echoes and Currents, the event was designed to honor both the immense power and delicate fragility of our oceans. Every element of the experience reflected the ethereal beauty of the Philippine waters.

Guests were welcomed with an immersive photo exhibit showcasing the work of underwater photographers, whose stunning images captured the world beneath the waves, from the surface to the deep sea. The exhibit brought the mysteries of the ocean to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of preserving marine life.

Surrounding the venue were floor-to-ceiling digital art projections, blending technology with nature to create a fully immersive environment. These projections brought the ocean’s vibrant beauty to life, enveloping guests in the sights and sounds of the sea.

The event also featured Battle of the Brush, a live painting competition where six pairs of artists competed by creating art inspired by the Philippine waters. The dynamic, fast-paced contest allowed the audience to experience the creative process in real-time, appreciating the artists’ skill and vision.

Beyond visual arts, the event showcased music, movement, sculpture, and poetry—each inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the ocean, from the gentle lapping of waves to the distant calls of marine creatures and the powerful surge of tides.

A Playground for Artists and Enthusiasts

The event provided a vibrant space for artists, art enthusiasts, and the general public to explore and engage with various forms of artistic expression. IMMERSIVE ART not only marked the beginning of a new artistic movement in the country but also fostered a safe, inclusive environment where creativity could flourish.

By engaging the senses, blurring the lines between artists, collectors, and audiences, IMMERSIVE ART became a transformative experience—one to be remembered and cherished by all who attended.