Agog is an abstract, 3D “world” to be experienced in virtual reality. The name is lifted from the Greek word "photagogia", which means "evoking of light", and in the context of Neoplatonic philosophy, was the topic of the corresponding thesis research paper.
Made with a variety of software, including Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, After Effects, Max MSP and Processing, luminous and color-saturated structures tower over the participant. Invited to explore the undulating terrain which is dotted with strange forms and “non-forms”, the visitor embarks on an adventure; a journey of curiosity. Spatial drone-inspired sound enhances the possibility to lose a sense of self, while perhaps surprising shifts of level reveal new views and spaces to actually get lost in. Encounters with seductive objects may lead to small surprises.
This work connects with the tradition of the romantic sublime, with its themes of awe and wonder. It further traces that line to the ancient philosophy of neoplatonism, aligning with its emphasis on light, immateriality and the ineffable.
Images presented here comprise views captured from the desktop and from inside the VR headset. There is also a small set of images resulting from the idea of bringing the captured interior VR world out into the external world - videos from inside the VR scene were projected out into the natural environment, in this case Australian eucalyptus trees.
Agog is made for the Oculus Quest 2 headset. A downloadable desktop version is also available. To interact with Agog please go to: https://llsky.itch.io/agog, and to install to your Oculus Quest please go to: https://sidequestvr.com/app/4023/agog
A catalog: