Virtual Goren Experience
A virtual experience to see how Goren was built
Collaborative Work | 2021-2024 My Role: Installation Crafts and VR Design/Development
The construction of this installation is deeply rooted in the wheat fields of Zhengzhou, China, where we harvested, dried, and processed the materials locally. Because pandemic restrictions prevented the artist, Nati, from selecting materials in person, we used 360 degree photography to create an immersive VR environment. This allowed him to virtually 'step into' the field and experience the texture of the harvest from afar. We now aim to translate this journey into a VR experience for the public, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the installation’s origins.
Origination
The Goren installation, by artist Nathan Tunkelrot, aimming to preserve the cultural ‘DNA’ of wheat. Following its exhibitions in Tokyo and Israel, a new iteration was commissioned for the Only Henan Theater in Zhengzhou, the iconic place of Chinese wheat culture. I collaborated with Nati as the local coordinator and educator. My role was to help translate this global concept into a locally resonant piece. Our mission was to create not just a gorgeous installation, but a meaningful narrative deeply connected to the community.
Left side (Goren in Only Henan Theater Hotel） Right side (Goren in Tokyo and Irasel) Image source:Tunkelrot LTD
Building Process
Me and Nati working on the installation like the traditional Chinese farmers collaborating to winnow to separate wheat shell from its core.
The creation of these materials was an extensive process, spanning from June 2020 to November 2021. It involved harvesting and drying the wheat, cleaning it of insects, trimming redundant parts, assembling metal joints, and finally, installation. Our goal is to use Virtual Reality to visualize this intricate, year-long journey from raw material to finished structure.
Community education became an essential part of our project as audience curiosity grew. To answer the question—"Why is the installation made this way?"—we launched hands-on workshops with students from Zhengzhou University, teaching them the craft of creating detailed wheat joints. We also invited our clients and hotel guests to engage in the creative process. The entire journey was documented in a video (shown above) to educate and involve the wider local community.
Virtual Experience
The whole VR experience related to real world installation creation
Crating Scene in Unity and Effects creation
What’s Next
Me and Nati we are still refining the process since the clients need us to check the installation every other years.
1.How this experience related to real life experience.
2.Beyond game’s entertainment, what emotion could offer to the guests.
3. While some guests don’t like the VR headset, how can we promote this experience.