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1996 Alnwick II: Real-Time Virtual Environment [by Doublevision]
click the image for more pictures

DESCRIPTION:
Alnwick II was commisioned by Northern Arts, Northumberland County Council, Alnwick District Council and Alnwick Playhouse Trust.
The Artists Kevin Atherton and Pete Maloney have been commissioned to produce a site specific art work for Visual Arts UK in Alnwick, the 'Windsor of the North'. The presentation of the work 'Alnwick II' will take place in the gallery of the newly renovated Playhouse close to the market square.
Alnwick II' is a fully immersive real time virtual environment which reconfigures aspects of the town using the market square as a focal point.
The work is experienced by donning a head mounted display and using a joystick to navigate through the work. Large screens in the gallery allow others to view the experience.
The user is able to enter spaces off the main square like the bookmakers, various shops and hidden spaces in the model of the old cor n exchange. Entering the bookies will not however present the user with televised races and screens showing the odds on the 2.45 at Ascot. Instead they will find themselves being cheered as they walk onto the stage of the Playhouse. The local cafe becomes the site of an imagined gallery and entering the gift shop now opens a secret route to a room in the Castle. Kevin Atherton says of the work,
" We wanted to reflect in the work our experiences of the town when we came up to visit. Through talking to residents we became aware of the history of the town and events which are proposed, such as the new supermarket, which may affect its future. We want the work to promote serious discussion about the town as well as offering the people who live here a chance to view a place they know in a new way."
Alnwick II' will run from 10-4 at the Playhouse until September 26th