Drop whatever it is your doing right now and mark your calendar for this Friday, September 23, from 7pm-12am, you HAVE to stop by Big Orbit Gallery (30 Essex St.) to witness the newest project by Flatsitter, Lily Dale. This virtual reality (VR) experience combines elements of vivid dreaming, spiritualism and the afterlife, and was inspired by the small commune at Lily Dale, which is located about 1 hour south of Buffalo – home to over 60 people all believed to have the ability to communicate with the dead.
There will be multiple VR stations set up around the gallery to accommodate guests, and you’ll be able to choose your experience by pulling 3 tarot cards from a deck that was custom made by local artist, Bobby Griffiths. (PS the decks will be on sale at the gallery.) But this is not all that is happening.
The gallery will also feature installation work by local artists, Max Collins, David Mitchell and Carlie Todoro-Rickus, whom Kyle Marler, the mastermind behind Flatsitter has worked with before on various projects. At the opening there will be a 5-hour durational performance (sound/video) by Flatsitter with special guests, Bobby Griffiths, Kevin Cain, Jim Abramson, Mario Fanone (UVB76) and Shawn Lewis (Lesionread) – 20 of the songs used in the VR project.
Oh and one last thing – Ginger Wagg, whose movement work is included in the VR project, will be sharing a special dance performance throughout the night. Ok, I think I covered all the moving elements of the spectacle that will be happening. All that is missing is you.
This event is free and open to the public. There is a cash bar set up inside the gallery, so the drinks (beer and wine) are covered, but don’t come hungry for food – eat before or after at Essex Pub, which is located conveniently around the corner.
Big Orbit Gallery is nestled in the back left corner of the Essex Arts Complex. There is some parking available in the lot, or you can usually find street parking on Rhode Island. If you’ve never experienced virtual reality this is your time. Kyle has a lot of upcoming plans that includes traveling around the North American continent with his various projects, so DO NOT miss this chance.
Big Orbit Gallery | 30 Essex St Rear D | Buffalo, NY 14213 | (716) 856-2717 | See Facebook event