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Pixel Isolation is a web-based digital art installation that examines the psychological appeal of video game worlds as a form of escapism. Using 3D models and Google’s Model Viewer, the project immerses viewers in a stylised environment that reflects the captivating, sometimes addictive, nature of video games. Targeted towards young people, Pixel Isolation explores how these virtual worlds can, in some cases, become more appealing than reality, offering a sense of control, identity and escape. However, this preference for the virtual world can lead to unintended consequences.These may include emotional withdrawal, social isolation, and behaviours that resemble a hikikomori – a condition characterised by extreme reclusion from society.
This project does not condemn escapism, instead it offers a thoughtful and significant perspective. It recognises the comfort that gaming can provide, while also encouraging a critical reflection on how we balance digital immersion with real-world connection. Through visual storytelling and interactive code, Pixel Isolation invites audiences to consider how far one might retreat into a virtual world and what it means to return.
Nicole Martin