blink
A sensory landscape beyond the physical invites you to an experience of astral intensity.
Experiential performance
'blink' is an immersive experience that integrates cutting-edge technology, narrative depth, and interactive elements to offer an unparalleled journey into the profound the cyclical nature of life and death, the ephemeral state of life, and the profound revelation of our interconnectedness with the cosmos.
At its core, 'blink' leverages technology to construct a sensory landscape that challenges and enhances human perception. These elements are not mere tools but integral narrative components, creating an immersive environment that transports audiences beyond the mundane into an otherworldly experience.
'blink' places the audience at the heart of the experience, transforming them from passive spectators to active participants. The non-linear, experiential narrative begins with audience members donning diffraction glasses, symbolically shedding societal identities and perceptions. This act serves as an entry into a liminal space, akin to purgatory, where they journey through various states of being.
Below is a video showcasing some of our early experimentation as a team. The visuals are unedited—what you see is exactly what audience members experienced through the diffraction glasses worn throughout the performance.
The artistic approach in 'blink' is heavily reliant on the integration of sophisticated technical elements to create a sensory landscape that is both alien and intimately familiar. Visual illusions, strategic use of light such as lasers and ultraviolet rays, and the presence of fog play critical roles in distorting and enhancing the viewer's perception. These elements are integral to the narrative, acting as metaphors for the various states the soul encounters in its journey. The design of 'blink' focuses on creating a sensory landscape that simulates phenomena that are otherwise impossible to experience in the mundane world. We use illusioneering techniques to forge an intense astral-like environment where the boundaries between the self and the universe blur.
The sound design in 'blink' is meticulously crafted to resonate with the thematic elements of the performance, using a mix of ambient sounds, thematic musical scores, and sudden silences to evoke emotional and cognitive responses that align with the journey being depicted.
'blink' is the result of a collaborative effort that brings together experiential design, sound design, lighting design, illusion integration, dance, movement, philosophy and immersive storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the project, ensuring a more nuanced and powerful performance.
Through this project, we strive to turn every performance into a unique, communal journey of discovery and transformation, reflecting the delicate balance between the tangible and the intangible, the visible and the invisible, and the self and the universe.
'blink' was selected as one of the Happenings to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CalArts.
Experience Designer, Producer and Illusion Designer
Pablo de Larrañaga Aramoni
Performer and Choreographer
Madison Stamm
Direction Consultant
Héctor Álvarez
Performance Consultant
Ryan Nebreja