Illusionaries, billed as the UK’s first story-based immersive art experience, is opening in London on 22 June.
Located at Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, Illusionaries is a temporary experiential art hub showcasing story-based digital art.
The new attraction is launching with an audiovisual experience titled ‘Memories of a Dead Poet’. It is directed and animated by Iranian artist Arash Irandoust, who said visitors will embark on “a journey of discovery”.
“‘Memories of a Dead Poet’ is a tale told in three parts – born out of an interest in the universal nature of human experience and taking inspiration from the stories and emotions which unite us,” said Irandoust.
Described as a 40-minute art odyssey, the exhibition includes otherworldly imagery and immersive soundscapes across three galleries, as follows:
‘Epilogue’ – a 360-degree projection introduces visitors to the titular character, featuring 2D animations and themes of greed, jealousy, fear and competition.
‘Before the meaning comes’ – infinity mirrors serve as the window to the protagonist’s journey of rebirth, exploring memory, connection and relationships.
‘Primordial gardeners’ – an intimate escape room using sound and offering calming acoustics, mist and visual projections.
Story-based digital art at Illusionaries
Salar Nouri, creative director and co-founder of Illusionaries, described the exhibition as “art as it’s never been done before”
“With high-quality audiovisual technology and an incredible story to tell, Illusionaries explores human consciousness through stimulating exhibitions, establishing a new standard for digital art,” said Nouri.
Frameless, another immersive art experience in London, opened in October 2022. It features interactive digital interpretations of iconic masterpieces by artists such as Cézanne, Klimt, Monet and Rembrandt.
“Each of our galleries is using a different form of technology,” Richard Relton, chief executive at Frameless, told blooloop.
Images: Illusionaries
