Projects
Energetic Connections: Exploring the multi-dimensional self through art & sound
Energetic Connections: Exploring the multi-dimensional self through art & sound
An exploration into the potential of immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to expand the boundaries of our individual and collective experience of 2D art.
By incorporating sound and visual elements through these tools, I am investigating how these technologies can create dynamic, multi-sensory experiences that deepen our perception and interaction with ourselves and each other through visual and audio frequencies. This is an ongoing journey of discovery, where I’m seeking to understand how these immersive methods can open new dimensions for both artistic expression and viewer engagement.
Explore
£5000
Aims of the project
A project exploring how immersive technologies like AR and VR can transform 2D art into a multi-sensory experience, revealing new dimensions of interpersonal energetic connection.
Explore the Intersection of Immersive Technologies and Visual Art
The primary aim of this research is to investigate how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can transform traditional 2D art into a multi-sensory experience. This includes exploring how digital overlays of sound, visuals, and interaction can deepen the viewer’s personal insight, engagement and perception.
Investigate the Potential for Collective Experience
An aim of the project is to eventually understand how these technologies might foster collective experiences in art. This includes investigating how shared, multi-sensory experiences could affect the sense of connection between viewers and between the viewer and the artwork.
Learn from Existing AR and VR Art Practices
A significant aspect of this project is to look at current practices in immersive art, studying how other artists are already integrating AR and VR with 2D art. By doing so, I aim to gain insight into what’s already being created whilst cultivating new relationships and collaborative partnerships with creative tech practitioners and venues, in order to push creative and metaphysical boundaries.
Push the Boundaries of Art and Technology
Ultimately, the goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible by merging art with emerging technologies. This research aims to contribute to the growing field of immersive art and to create new opportunities for artists to explore both the technological and emotional aspects of human experience through visual art.
How did they do that?
As I reflect on the past 6 months, it feels like the project has a clearer direction for combining painting with sound and immersive technologies.
There is now defined interest in expanding 2D artworks into spatial or sensory experiences that support wellbeing and emotional connection.
I’ve determined that the technology will be used only where it meaningfully enhances engagement with the work, avoiding gimmick or unnecessary complexity. I want to use technology to enhance the audience and venue experience.
This period has reinforced the value of moving toward collaboration with technologists rather than developing every technical skill independently. For example, I used Reaper for the first time – I am tactile and use lots of painterly tools – this interface is quite remote for me on the laptop and I did not produce what my mind wanted, so I lost interest and it’s frustrating! I found learning to use sound software difficult with uninspiring results. This was a significant turning point for me in realising that I could outsource. It’s necessary to know what technologies are being created but I can leave that part of creativity to others.
Key Moments:
- The sound workshop at The Big Thing was a core milestone, confirming sound as a central future component.
- VR testing highlighted accessibility and usability barriers, shifting the focus toward comfort and participant agency. (“Monsieur Vincent” at Wales Millennium Centre)
- Clear realisation that collaboration is essential for sustainable practice development.
"My creative practice is an ongoing evolution: the fund has been about giving myself permission to have fun and be playful across multiple forms".
Meet the artist
Anya Ward
Lead artist
Anya Ward lives in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Anya’s mixed media paintings are process-driven and are a response to her personal journey into non-dualism and embodiment. Anya’s practice is informed by a compulsion to transmit information that activates and stimulates, which she does through composing line, colour and form.
Anya paints about her experience of God and her experience as an extension of God. She works with acrylic and mixed media and through these different materials Anya allows marks to appear on the surface in multiple layers, transmitting both space and tension.
