Oculus, 2023

Acrylic, mirror film and stainless steel
250 x 211.5 x 85cm
In collaboration with psychological scientist Rebekah Street
Seed Project for Melbourne Monash Consciousness Research
Acrylic donated by Jeph Neale. Production assistance by Jeph Neale

def. Oculus
1. an eye (Latin)
2. a circular or oval window

Oculus proposes an optical experience between two or more participants facing one another through a large circle of semi-translucent mirror. The reflection of self is overlaid with the image of another person that at moments appears to merge into a composite figure. The wonder and curiosity of the optical phenomenon encourages sensory play, and prompts questioning of the nature of “self” and “other”. The installation provides an opportunity to explore whether these sensory conditions can affect a person’s conscious experience of knowing self in and through interconnecteness.

Oculus explores how experiencing an expression of self in relationship with others and surrounding environmental elements might affect consciousness; particularly whether this is able to encourage perception of interconnectedness between self, other and environment. The experience may offer insights for the participants into individual differences and the nature of connection, the extent to which we create our experience of the world and other influences on consciousness.

The project outcome is revealed through the sculptural form and participants’ subjective engagement. It may be a playful, exploratory experience that invites unforeseen perspectives and inspires creative ideas, and potentially act as a catalyst connecting research with the broader community by providing a tangible experience around which cross-disciplinary knowledge can be shared.