The Observatory Presents - A New Immersive Art and Wellness Space in the Eastern City
The free entry digital art and virtual reality experience will open its doors in the heart of the City of London on 6 January, a unique antidote to the January blues
The Observatory is a unique pop-up that reimagines art outside traditional gallery spaces, providing a much-needed sanctuary in the heart of the city. Designed to help workers and visitors to the area navigate the challenges of January, it offers a calming environment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Through the innovative blend of art and technology, The Observatory encourages wellness and emotional exploration, creating a truly transformative experience.
Harmony 2.0: Created by We Are Midnight, Harmony 2.0 is a continuation of a concept by Turkish multidisciplinary artist Ela Brunel Hawes, whose fascination with states of mind and higher levels of consciousness inspired the concept. This real-time interactive group experience invites six participants to gather around a fluid well, taking them through a voyage of discovery through EEG headsets that interpret their brainwaves. The more participants achieve a state of calm, the more vividly their collective thoughts shape a stunning visual masterpiece in the well’s surface. By fostering shared moments of serenity and creativity, Harmony 2.0 connects people through the power of mindfulness and collective energy, ending with a group meditation.
Harmony 2.0 - Monday 6th - Saturday 18th January, 11am-7pm
Free, to book click here
Soul Paint: This internationally acclaimed virtual reality experience, co-created by Sarah Ticho (Hatsumi) and Niki Smit (Monobanda), guides participants to explore their emotions and sensations through body mapping, 3D drawing, and movement.
The launch of The Observatory marks the first time this groundbreaking project will be available to the public outside a festival setting, offering a transformative opportunity for audiences to explore the complexities of human emotion and sensation through innovative VR storytelling.
Narrated by actor and activist Rosario Dawson, Soul Paint invites participants to embark on a deeply personal and creative journey of self-discovery, during which users visually express the sensations and emotions within their bodies. The experience culminates in a powerful showcase of collective stories, creating a growing archive of human expression that connects audiences worldwide. Soul Paint has been co-created with patients, behavioural psychologists, neuroscientists and researchers.
Since its premiere at South by Southwest Festival Texas (SXSW) in March 2024, where it won the Special Jury Prize, it has won numerous international accolades, including Best Health and Wellness at the Games for Change Awards in New York and Best Social Impact at FilmGate Interactive Media Festival in Miami.
What to Expect
The piece runs 15-20 mins long
It is recommended that participants stand throughout the experience. A seated option can be provided.
There are moments where you are invited to speak and use your voice, however this is entirely optional. The space at the venue is small and limited. The teams have worked to create the most privacy possible, but there is scope for being heard.
You will be able to confirm whether or not you agree to share your Voice Recordings - this will be asked at the end of the experience.
Any illustrations and movements will automatically be saved on creation. If you wish to have these removed, please email hello@soulpaint.co.
For full terms and conditions, please follow the link here
Soul Paint: Monday 20th - Friday 31st January, 11am-7pm
Free, to book click here