Jinge Zhou

About

When I think about my approach to practice, I am reminded of moments of profound inspiration. I love digesting information and closely following contemporary social trends, which drives me to continually deconstruct society and understand people’s real needs and unfulfilled desires. This motivation has been the foundation for my work on the “Star Rift” project.

In the vast silence of space, where stars seem close yet far, my journey into the “Star Rift” project is a blend of personal experience and academic pursuit, exploring the depths of human loneliness. Inspired by the stories of astronauts like Valery Polyakov and Christina Koch, who spent months in space facing extreme isolation, I channel their experiences into my work. This project reflects not only their struggles but also my own encounters with loneliness and the search for connection in an often disconnected world.

Through the fusion of art and technology, I create immersive VR environments that capture the physical and emotional challenges of space travel. These virtual worlds are designed to help astronauts and others in isolated environments process their feelings and build psychological resilience. Each VR experience is a carefully crafted space where users can explore their emotions and find new ways to cope with solitude.

The “Star Rift” project is more than just an academic endeavor; it’s a blend of reflective practice and critical thinking. Drawing from environmental psychology, sociology, and existential philosophy, it highlights the potential of VR to address the mental health challenges of prolonged isolation. This work is my way of contributing to the ongoing human quest for meaning and connection, bridging the gap between the cosmic and the everyday, the personal and the universal.

Through this project, I aim to shed light on the silent struggles of modern-day explorers and to offer innovative solutions that support their mental and emotional well-being.