Evolver
—Barnaby Steel
The making of Evolver involved a blend of cutting-edge technology and artistic vision, resulting in visuals based on precise medical research and high-resolution body scanning. The creators worked with scientists and medical professionals at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California, Kinda Studios in London, and the Allen Institute for Cell Science in Seattle to capture the anatomical accuracy of the body’s systems, using data to digitally reconstruct the journey of oxygen within the human anatomy. These scans were transformed into intricate, immersive VR landscapes that allow audiences to “travel” inside the human body in ways that feel both intimate and expansive. By combining these state-of-the-art techniques with lush, artistic visuals, Evolver transcends the typical VR experience, offering a deeply reflective journey that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living systems.
Innovative in both concept and execution, Evolver pushes the boundaries of virtual reality by merging scientific precision with poetic storytelling. Unlike conventional VR experiences that may focus solely on visuals or interactivity, Evolver creates an experience that is both scientifically informative and emotionally resonant. The integration of a carefully crafted score by Jonny Greenwood adds a sensory depth to the experience, resonating with the physical and emotional rhythm of breathing. The project’s emphasis on respiration as a vital connection between humans and the environment serves as a unique narrative device, setting Evolver apart as a VR experience with a profound ecological and philosophical message.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Evolver‘s innovative approach to virtual reality; reviewers have highlighted its immersive quality. The project’s ability to combine the scientific with the spiritual has resonated with audiences, who find the experience both grounding and thought-provoking. Evolver stands as a testament to the potential of VR to create powerful, immersive experiences that go beyond entertainment, using technology to inspire a deeper awareness of life’s interconnectedness.
About the Creators
Barnaby Steel is the founder and creative director of Marshmallow Laser Feast, an experiential art collective that works in the space between art, technology, and the natural world. Steel’s art practice combines a wide range of disciplines, including sculpture, installation, live performance, and mixed reality. His work illuminates the hidden natural forces that surround us, inviting participants to navigate with a sensory perception beyond their daily experience.Marshmallow Laser Feast was founded in London in 2012 when Barnaby Steel joined forces with Robin McNicholas, cofounder of the creative collective FLAT-e, and Memo Akten, a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and researcher currently based in Los Angeles, with the intention of building a company around their passions, both commercial and art. The group’s expertise has earned them a reputation for creating transformative experiences, expanding the senses, reinvigorating a sense of wonder and deepening audiences’ connection to the more-than-human world.