Bella Gaia - an Experience by Kenji Williams
- Paper number
IAC-08.E1.4.8
- Author
Mr. Kenji Williams, Remedy Arts LLC, United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Valerie Anne Casasanto, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Alex Bowles, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Project Introduction Many of those lucky enough to view the Earth from space have described a sense of wonder and delight that can hold life-changing power. Known as the Overview Effect, this experience is characterized by a dramatic cognitive shift in which the significance of man-made boundaries is eclipsed by a deep awareness that life on Earth operates as a borderless, interconnected whole. The striking clarity of this realization often triggers a keen sense of stewardship that seeks community beyond the limits of nationality and religion. The strength of this conservation instinct tends to grow even after the return to Earth, driving those who share this experience to reach out, and become highly active participants in the preservation of our common heritage. Working with high-resolution, large-format projections, photorealistic Earth visualization software, and music that combines classical traditions with the innovations of electronica, composer / performer Kenji Williams has successfully emulated this effect for terrestrial audiences. His performances have connected with people around the world by introducing the vital emotional and aesthetic components that are often missing from the current scientific, political and economic discourse about the state of our planet. Now, he presents Bella Gaia. Treating the word ‘Gaia’ as a poetic expression of global interconnectedness, Bella Gaia tells the story of man’s ascent from simple creature to a dominant force of nature, revealing the awe-inspiring balance that makes our life on Earth possible. Underscoring the key role that humans now play in this grand equilibrium, Bella Gaia deepens the sense of personal relationship that each of us have with our home planet, fostering a new spirit of cooperation essential to our collective adaptation. The story concludes by suggesting the ways we can gauge our success in conserving our astonishing natural inheritance for the generations to come. In its most immersive forms, Bella Gaia will be presented as a digital film for full-dome theaters, and as a live concert series featuring massively scaled images backing performances by gifted artists in world and pop music. Supporting these shows will be a range of ancillary media to market the core experience, and develop audience engagement. These include resource-rich websites; long-form broadcast specials; downloadable HD media and DVDs; outreach programs for key commercial, educational and scientific partners, and a collection of royalty-free media elements for audiences to remix, reinterpret, and repurpose in their own communities. Executive Producer, Alex Bowles Creative Director, Kenji Williams Authors: Alex Bowles, Kenji Williams
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E1.4.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.