Virtual reality is a technology that will change the world. From medicine to design, we are already seeing this potential realized.
Virtual reality can be a singular experience, but it also inspires togetherness and understanding. You may be familiar with the CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) and Greenland Melting VR experiences that place the viewer in the shoes of an immigrant crossing the border or near the effects of a polar ice cap melt. These experiences transport us and open our eyes to larger issues so we can see them on a human level. On a smaller scale, VR is a tool that brings us together: to play, to create, and see through another’s eyes – be it friend or a colleague.
Kilograph recently had the opportunity to put this idea to the test through an event partnership with Brookfield Women’s Group. The mission of Brookfield Women’s Group is to connect the women at Brookfield Properties and provide a community dedicated to supporting them as they strive for professional success and personal fulfillment. They do this by promoting professional development, fostering personal interactions, and giving back through outreach initiatives with women-focused charities.
Recognizing this focus on togetherness and betterment, we drew inspiration from the idea of a paint and sip event. Similar to a paint and sip, we wanted to bring together a large group of people to – with instruction – do something that they may not do on a day-to-day basis. Our idea: A virtual paint and sip. VR not only can create connections between people, it allows them to have fun and flex their creative muscles, and we are constantly excited by how new technology opens up new avenues for creativity.
At the event, we set up TiltBrush in VR, which allows users to paint or sculpt in 3D space. The user can create a three-dimensional piece of artwork using different brushes, colors, and even effects (think: sparkling stars and glowing fog). Others can then step into the world of this creation to see through the eyes of the artist, or create artwork of their own. The results were spectacular. We got a game of VR Pictionary going to the effect of a lot of cheering, some heated competition, and a high-stakes tie-breaker. Seeing the level of play and camaraderie that VR could inspire was exciting.
The event was held in partnership with the A+D Museum in downtown Los Angeles’s Arts District. We’d like to thank all the accomplished women that came together to make this event possible: Chef Ameera for the catering, which was out-of-this-world delicious; DJ Moni for the tunes; Nancy Levens from the A+D for hosting us; and Patrice, Christina, and Alicia from Brookfield Properties. Let’s do it again soon.
