Marshmallow Laser Feast

Into the eyes of an animal

Marshmallow Laser Feast are an experimental collective based in London. They are renowned for utilising technologies like virtual reality and taking them to unexpected physical locations to make projects that explore not only the exciting new possibilities of the technology itself, but how that technology can make us reconsider our relationship to the real with interactive, immersive environments.

In their project In the Eyes of the Animal, Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) created an immersive storytelling experience in which users could discover forests anew through the eyes of various animals. This 360° audio-visual experience explored the science of seeing (in the literal and metaphysical sensory sense) through how different organisms use their different organs to interact with the same environment in unique ways. For example, one of the animals the company decided to explore was the Mosquito. These creatures have the ability to see carbon dioxide (as demonstrated by the particle effect in the image). Therefore, when the user put the headset on, the resulting experience took away their perception and put them into the eyes of a Mosquito, able to see the forest photosynthesising as they fly around. The Mosquito example is just one out of many animals MLF have utilised in their immersive experience. Each one providing a different sensory experience into the way other animals view environments.

Due to premiere this winter, MLF have created another multi sensory VR installation titled “We Live in an Ocean of Air”. Applying a blend of science, technology, and art, MLF are using technology like breath sensors, heart rate monitors, binaural (sound transmitted to both ears independently) sounds, scent dispersal systems, and wind machines to interact with an entire ecosystem around a giant sequoia tree.

Almost all of MLFs passion-based projects involve a somewhat ecologically/ environmental focus. Being a technologically innovative company, their work provides an interesting angle into a very real problem facing society. By utilising VR, MLF can evoke a uniquely personal connection with the topic of focus (in this case, environmental). In an age where technology is said to disconnect people from each other and the natural environment, MLF uses innovative technology to highlight the invisible but fundamental connections and dependence between humans and the natural world.

By providing an experience, which is unavailable through any other medium, MLF have fully utilised the potential for VR technology in storytelling. During an interview, one of the founders of the collective mentioned that if, during the initial phases of a potential project, the possibility of it being able to be performed in any other medium was found, the idea was discarded. This desire to keep the creations of MLF with the use of VR technology platform native. Further pushing the uniqueness of their production aesthetic and the audience experience of the piece.