Independent Arts News Reporting Reality’s Fugue: Virtual Reality Meets Art & Philosophy – A Groundbreaking VR Exhibition at Hicks Art Center Gallery
Reported on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Pictured Above: Reality’s Fugue Exhibition at Hicks Art Center. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEWTOWN, PA
The Reality’s Fugue Exhibit at the Hick’s Art Center Uniquely Fuses Art, Science and Immersive Technology
Newtown, PA – The Hicks Art Center Gallery at Bucks County Community College is set to make history with its first-ever virtual reality exhibition, Reality’s Fugue: Virtual Reality Meets Art & Philosophy. Running from February 10 through March 1, 2025, this cutting-edge installation merges art, philosophy, and technology in an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
To celebrate the exhibition, an author and artists’ talk featuring F. Samuel Brainard, Carol Cruickshanks, and Christian Kowalchuk will take place on February 12 at 2 PM, followed by an opening reception from 4 – 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public.
Pictured Above: The book, Reality’s Fugue by Samuel Brainard. Photo Credit: Contributed.
A Fusion of Art, Science, and Immersive Technology
Inspired by his book, Reality’s Fugue: Reconciling Worldviews in Philosophy, Religion, and Science, author F. Samuel Brainard partnered with David Tamés to create this approximately 10-minute VR experience. Unlike traditional VR gaming environments that focus on goal achievement, Reality’s Fugue takes participants on a contemplative journey through multiple worldviews, blending philosophy, art, and science to illustrate the interconnected nature of human existence. With realistic audio narration, dynamic visuals, and motion tracking—all without the use of hand controllers—the experience is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
A Collaborative Vision
The exhibition first debuted at New Hope Arts in January 2024 under the leadership of Carol Cruickshanks, who served as Executive Director at the time. Now, as a co-producer, she has played a vital role in refining the staging and installation for its latest evolution at Hicks. Exhibition designer Christian Kowalchuk has worked alongside Brainard to re-envision the gallery space, introducing two distinct rooms within the exhibit to enhance the individualized experience of each viewer.
Pictured Above: R-L: Samuel Brainard w/ Arts News Now Features Writer, Louise Feder. Photo Credit: MK Hammerstein.
A Transformative Encounter
Through this immersive VR installation, Reality’s Fugue invites participants to step beyond conventional perspectives and embrace a nonhierarchical view of the universe. The experience highlights the paradox of human existence—how we are both individual beings and part of a greater collective consciousness.
Exhibition Details
Hicks Art Center Gallery
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Exhibition Dates: February 10 – March 1, 2025
🕙 Gallery Hours:
-Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
-Saturdays (Feb. 15, 22 & March 1): 12 – 4 PM
Special Events (Feb. 12, 2025):
-Author & Artists’ Talk – 2 PM
-Opening Reception – 4-7 PM
For more information, please contact gallery@bucks.edu
About Hicks Art Center Gallery
Hicks Art Center Gallery, located at Bucks County Community College, is committed to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions that engage the community in meaningful artistic and cultural dialogue.
