Exhibiting Mutator VR: Procedural Art Evolves to Virtual Reality

Organic Art (1987) was reincarnated as Mutator2 (2013) which evolved into Mutator VR: Mutation Space (2016). We describe the graphics and audio systems, particularly the procedural generation and visual effects, and their creative exploitation as an art installation. Mixed “real” and “unreal” features and effects, inspired by Surrealist art, create highly immersive psychedelic organic experiences. Interface simplicity and discoverability is critical for VR exhibitions; as is the balance between an experience constrained by artist's choices and a freer (but riskier) one with greater public choice. Public gallery installation of Mutator VR creates special challenges.