The Spacexcape Project

The Spacexcape Project started over two years ago, as part of an ongoing enquiry into the "Blurred Edges: Perspectives on Reality" project by Alison Raimes, a London based mixed media artist.

Spacexcape, is a virtual reality character created by Alison in the online worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft. In the first, Spacexcape works in a collaborative team of artists, scientists and philosophers to create an experiential, interactive installation that allowed other online avatars to participate. In World of Warcraft, the scenario is very different. This is a young, male dominated environment in which the avatar travels through a 'game' attempting to achieve and progress to the top (which is infinite).

In both environments there are similar yet contradictory situations. Specific language becomes imperative to the sense of belonging that each environment creates. Identity play an important role in their acceptance into both worlds. In both worlds, there is commerce - in Second Life this commerce is 'real' in that it involves actual currency. In World of Warcraft the commerce is internal (like monopoly) and no money is exchanged outside of the game. Avatars take on a character which is often completely different to their 'real' character and the forums provide environments for relationships to develop in various forms. Addiction, and obsessive behaviour are observed in both environments and the affect of this on the participants is monitored and reflected on.

Above all, the Spacexcape Project questions what is and what is not 'reality' through the eyes of the user.