Abstract

Full Paper. Theme Interactive – Networked – Human Computer Interaction Subtheme Symbiotic Imaginaries

In this paper we discuss the notion of disembodiment as a driving force of inspiration in artificial systems using Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D audio technologies. In these environments, immersion is the common denominator between the impression of disembodiment, which involves the spatial ability, and the auditory perception from the perspective of a creative binaural input. Our research focuses on three public artistic virtual reality works as examples of sound-driven immersive virtual experiences. Through interviews with the contributors, we explore the way that disembodiment can serve immersion in VR, and how binaural audio improves those experiences. As the body becomes virtual, the lines between real and imaginary are redefined and recreated, altering the sense of body ownership, oscillating between embodiment and disembodiment sensations. Ultimately, we intend to explore immersion on a theoretical and philosophical basis where the body is perceived as the mediator, a phenomenon and an extension of binaural reality and hyperreality.

• Dimitris Batsis (GR) is Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Fine Arts and Art Sciences, School of Fine Arts, University of Ioannina, Greece. https://dbatsis.wixsite.com/dbatsis
• Katerina El Raheb (EG/GR) is Assistant Professor at the Department of Performing and Digital Arts, University of the Peloponnese (Greece) in Computing Applications in Performing Arts. https://katerinaelraheb.wixsite.com/info
• Magdalini Grigoriadou (GR) is Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Architecture, School of Engineering, University of Thessaly,Greece. http://www.arch.uth.gr/en/staff/M_Grigoriadou
• Archontis Politis (GR/FI) is Assistant Professor at the Department of Computing, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences in Signal Processing and Machine Learning, Tampere University, Finland https://www.tuni.fi/en/archontis-politis