Node: Modes of Experience

In the context of contemporary arts and media, experiencer serves where audience or even “spect-actor” (Boal) prove inadequate. It suggests a more immersive engagement in which the principles of composition of the piece create an environment designed to elicit a broadly visceral, sensual encounter, as distinct from conventional theatrical, concert or art gallery architectures which are constructed to draw primarily upon one of the sense organs – eyes (spectator) or ears (audience). In her interactive virtual reality installation,Osmose(1994-1996), for example, Char Davies dubbed her audience “immersants”. Though it might not directly involve touch, smell or taste in addition