IN THE MEDIA

Press Highlights the SYMBIOSIS US TOUR

PAM CUT — OPENING PRESS, November 2022

OPB News: At this Portland art exhibit, you explore virtual worlds to save our real planet — "A new high-tech immersive installation takes on climate change in its U.S. premiere at the Portland Art Museum."

Portland Tribune: Imagining a futuristic Earth in 'Symbiosis' at museum's PAM CUT — "Portland Art Museum hosts Dutch extended reality show; it casts you as hybrid creature amidst climate changed world." [View/download print PDF]

Portland Mercury/EverOut: November 2022 Event Picks — "Inspired by ecofeminist scholar Donna Haraway’s Staying with the Trouble, Symbiosis is quite possibly the most immersive—and coolest—art experience to hit Portland in a long time."

Oregon ArtsWatch: VizArts Monthly: November 2022 — "Portland Art Museum’s new VR experience, Symbiosis, will have you donning a robotic suit faster than you can say 'ecofeminist Chthulucene.'”

Only Sky: Can a multi-sensory ‘extended reality’ story change our planet? — “Yes, I’m by myself. But I’m no longer feeling alone during this water experience but rather connected to a universe beyond myself.”

The Oregonian / Here Is Oregon: Extended reality experience ‘Symbiosis’ makes international debut in Portland 

"It might have been the oxytocin being pumped in through the scent tubes, but there seemed to be a real sense of camaraderie between us. This despite the fact that most of us (save the multibody creature) went through the experience alone.

VOICES OF VR

#1155: Polymorf’s Multi-Sensory “Symbiosis” Explores Speculative Futures Inspired by Philosopher Donna Haraway. The creators of Symbiosis  were also interviewed on prominent virtual reality design podcast Voices of VR.

ADDITIONAL PRESS

Amy Dotson, Director of PAM CUT, talked about Symbiosis on KGW Channel 8. 

Symbiosis was featured in an excellent video segment on OPB's Oregon Art Beat: “Bodysuits, custom scents and snacks: Symbiosis at Portland’s PAM CUT challenges our view of reality.” 

The Oregonian’s immersive Symbiosis review was given a full-page feature in its Friday A&E section on December 2, 2023. 

Symbiosis was also featured in Ideas for Good (Japanese), Only Sky, ARPost, TechieMag, Technophile, and Archynetys.

“Oregon Art Beat producer Eric Slade spoke with Symbiosis co-directors Marcel van Brakel and Mark Meeuwenoord about the role of art in environmental crises, their love/hate relationship with technology, and a future where you might be able to experience your dog’s happiness.”