Placing us in the claustrophobic environment of the S.Y.S.T.E.M. (Securing Your Safety Through Extreme Means) we, playing as Heno., are held hostage while the S.Y.S.T.E.M. attempt to surveille our every thought. When a glitch gives us the chance to see beyond the simulation we must search for an exit or be trapped in the loop forever. The interactive experience includes simulations by nine Black artists, who created visualizers responding to prompts around surveillance.
Signals 2024 guests were able to dive right into this immersive VR experience, navigating through this oppressive world guided by Heno’s music. Able to explore this world at their own pace, many visitors were impressed with the 7-10 minute piece.
Signals 2024 guests were able to dive right into this immersive VR experience, navigating through this oppressive world guided by Heno’s music. Able to explore this world at their own pace, many visitors were impressed with the 7-10 minute piece.
Meet the Artists
Tara Rose Morris
is a mixed Desi artist. She explores the digital body as a performance of identity, questioning how technology reshapes our perception of our selves and each other. Her artwork has been screened as films, single-channel video installations, and live visuals for musicians including Latashá, Kilo Kish, Heno., and Mick Jenkins.
Heno.
is a first-generation Ethiopian-Eritrean artist from Takoma Park, Maryland who uses his music to tell intentional and impactful stories & find comfort within uncomfortable conversations. Alongside his artistic pursuits, he is also deeply passionate about restorative justice and community work both in the United States and back in Ethiopia.
