The Virtual Landscape

Virtual reality artwork - Awa by Saretta Fielding

The Virtual Landscape surrounding the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima) offers an engaging exploration of digital art within the natural setting of Speers Point Park. QR codes placed around MAP mima offer visitors access to five augmented reality artworks tethered to specific locations.

Using a smart phone, visitors can scan the QR codes they find on bollards and plaques around the building, and then follow the prompts to see the artwork.

The Virtual Landscape of MAP mima was created through workshops with VEARA and features artworks by several local artists.

Lake Foreshore

Awa by Saretta Fielding (Wonnarua) with Soundscape by Rod Smith, (Aniwan/Wonnarua) and augmented reality support by John Hancock.

Awa, an Aboriginal word meaning flat surface or plain, draws its inspiration from the stories and knowledge held and shared by the Awabakal people, the traditional custodians of this country. Saretta Fielding’s gorgeous visuals celebrate the colour and beauty of life on the lake. Watch as canoes head out into Cockle Creek for the annual mullet run, gathering together around the campfire to enjoy a great harvest.  Footsteps enter from all directions towards a campfire, celebrating the coming together of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Lake Macquarie from around Australia.

The Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima’s Awabakal name, mima, means ‘cause to stay’. Awa reminds us how long people have lived on these shores, and of our own duty to love and care for country.

Virtual reality using your smartphone - Awa by Saretta Fielding -

North Wall

Awaba _ Salt Water Lake by Claire Lavis and Kira Jovanovski

Salt Water Lake is tethered to the North Wall of the MAP mima building. Here, Morse code elements intertwine with the architectural features, offering a unique interpretation of cultural acknowledgment. The rhythmic pulses of the digital surface echo the steady heartbeat of the land, fostering a sense of connection and reverence for the traditional custodians.

Virtual reality on the North Wall at MAP mima

Among the casuarina trees on Cockle Creek

Gemstone Fungi by Mel Jhey 

Venturing further, amidst the Casuarinas lining Cockle Creek, "Gemstone Fungi" by Mel Jhey awaits. Inspired by the vibrant biodiversity of the MAP mima site, Mel Jhey's imaginative designs breathe life into the landscape, transforming ordinary fungi into dazzling gemstone creations.

The Promenade 

Goya Torres’ "Untitled" mural paintings are tethered to the forecourt on the Cockle Creek side of the MAP mima building. Visitors can view artworks by Torres from around the world in a way that makes them appear as though they were painted in-situ at MAP mima. Drawing inspiration from the rich mural tradition of Mexico, Torres' street-art aesthetic infuses the surroundings with vibrant energy and cultural resonance, paying homage to the artist's heritage and adding a dynamic flair to the environment.

Create your own augmented reality artwork

Members of the public are invited to drop by on Fridays to experiment and create with Sculpt VR. Each month a new onsite creation will join the outdoor augmented reality exhibition.

Please note that Virtual Reality can cause motion sickness and is not recommended for children under 12.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body and is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

 

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