Investigating the artistic potential of the Fulldome as a creative medium: the case of the E/M/D/L project.

Abstract

Introduction. The term “fulldome” refers to a hemispherical immersive environment, which incorporates 360ο video projections, surround-sound and affords user interaction with the audiovisual representation projected on its surface. The fulldome has been in the spotlight of scientific research for some years now. Fulldomes have mostly been used for creating simulations for planetariums and cultural heritage applications as well as large scale projections of cinematic content, mostly viewed by audience in a passive mode. In recent years the artistic community has started to realise the immense potential of the fulldome as a creative medium. However, still only a small percentage of the total production of new media artworks utilize such systems, and there is scarce research on the nature of the fulldome as a creative and communicative medium. The E/M/D/L/ project responds to this need exactly.