"The Outside” is an immersive interactive experience that explores the connection between individual mental states and the deteriorating external environment. Drawing inspiration from Anthony McCall's “Solid Light Works,” we construct a volumetric halo using a combination of projected shapes and smoke from two stage smoke machines. At the heart of the experience is a swing enveloped by this halo. The act of swinging symbolically represents an escape from despondent, anxious, or oppressive circumstances.
The halo and the accompanying audio react in real time to the participant's interactions. As they sit on the swing, the halo shifts to red and begins to expand, while the audio transitions from serene to turbulent. The height of the swing influences the rate of the halo's expansion: swinging lower results in a slower expansion, while swinging higher causes it to expand more rapidly. This interactive dynamic signifies that the halo, symbolizing the worsening environment, will inevitably continue to expand until it engulfs the entire room. 'The Outside' does not exist, and the player can never truly escape. The narrative invites multiple interpretations, influenced by the participants' personal experiences.