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A short, seated mixed-reality journey combining body projection mapping, immersive audio, and 360° VR. The experience is approximately 3 minutes in VR, plus preparation and the body-projection introduction. One guest at a time; ages 16+.
ℹ️ Experience Information
About the experience
The Holographic Self is an immersive mixed-reality installation by Michael Thomas / Jiagual Art, combining body projection mapping, VR, and sound. Visitors first observe luminous, evolving patterns projected directly onto their body, guided by slow breathing rhythms. They then enter a seated, DMT-trip-like visual journey through luminous body imagery, DNA-like tunnels, eyes, portals, fractal geometries, and otherworldly realms.
The experience explores embodiment, perception, identity, and the relationship between the individual body and a larger energetic or cosmic system.
- Release: November 2025 — continuous work in progress
- Website: jiagual.com
- Instagram: Jiagual Art · Holographic Self highlight
- Language: English; largely non-verbal
- Age rating: 16+
What guests may experience
Guests first see luminous and fractal forms projected directly onto their body. In VR, they enter a short journey involving luminous body imagery, changing viewpoints, DNA-like tunnels, giant eyes and portals, abstract geometry, and rapidly transforming otherworldly environments.
They may experience altered scale, floating movement, visual intensity, heightened body awareness, and a temporary sense of separation from their usual physical perspective.
Best suited for
Guests interested in immersive art, meditation, psychedelic aesthetics, embodiment, and altered states of perception. The experience supports curiosity, introspection, calm attention, and imaginative exploration.
Accessibility
The experience is seated and requires minimal physical movement. Guests need to be able to wear a VR headset and headphones comfortably. It may not be suitable for people with strong sensitivity to VR, motion, flashing, or high-contrast imagery. Facilitator assistance is recommended throughout.
🌀 Context Engineering Tips
- Set & setting: Create a calm, darkened, and quiet environment with minimal visual distractions.
- Clear framing: Explain that the experience uses intense psychedelic and DMT-inspired imagery but does not involve the use of any substance.
- Breathing: During the projection phase, invite the guest to synchronize natural, slow breathing with the sinusoidal visual rings and guides.
- Agency: Remind the guest that they may close their eyes, lower the audio, pause, or stop and return to the physical room at any time.
- Seated safety: Ask the guest to remain seated throughout and to tell the facilitator immediately if discomfort arises.
- Integration: Allow a quiet moment after the headset is removed before inviting reflection.
🎛️ Facilitator Cheat Sheet
Guest introduction: “This is a short seated journey exploring the relationship between your physical body and a luminous, imagined body. Begin by observing the projection and following the breathing rhythm, then allow the VR experience to guide you without needing to do anything. It is 360° stereo, so you can look all around. The journey lasts about three minutes, then loops.”
At a glance
Duration
About 3 minutes in VR, plus preparation and projection introduction
Capacity
One guest at a time
Equipment
VR headset + playback device, projection computer, projector, mirror, cushion, headphones, and small speaker
Language
English; largely non-verbal
Input
Passive viewing; no controllers, hand tracking, or gaze input
Position
Seated on the floor or a low cushion
Intensity
Moderate to strong; sensitivity varies
Consent
Explain immersive motion, bright contrast, rapidly changing fractals, and intense psychedelic imagery
Setup & installation requirements
- Darkened installation space with safe access for the guest and facilitator.
- Approximately 1.5 × 1.5 m for the projected body area, plus space for equipment and circulation.
- Place the projector approximately 5 m from the guest, near floor level or elevated no more than approximately 50 cm.
- Position the mirror in front of the seated guest and align the body projection to their silhouette.
- Prepare a floor cushion or low seat, VR headset and compatible playback device, projection computer, headphones, and a small speaker.
- Use headphones for the VR sequence and the small speaker for ambient sound or verbal guidance during the projection phase.
- Internet, accounts, and logins are not required.
How to facilitate
- Explain the two phases, the approximately three-minute runtime, 360° viewing, and the possibility of intense psychedelic imagery.
- Confirm informed, voluntary participation and screen for relevant sensitivities or contraindications.
- Seat the guest securely, fit the headset and headphones, and explain how to stop.
- Begin the body-projection phase and invite slow, natural breathing with the visual rhythm.
- Transition to VR and start the complete sequence from the beginning.
- Remain nearby and monitor headset fit, posture, balance, dizziness, distress, disorientation, nausea, panic, or breathing difficulty.
- Stop immediately if requested or if significant discomfort appears.
- Afterward, ask: “Did the experience change how you perceived the boundary between your body, your awareness, and the space around you?”
Safety and contraindications
The experience includes immersive motion, bright contrast, rapidly changing fractal imagery, and intense DMT-inspired psychedelic visuals. It may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy, severe motion sickness, acute vertigo, certain neurological sensitivities, panic triggered by immersive environments, or current intoxication.
Participation must be voluntary and informed. Stop immediately if the guest asks to stop or shows panic, severe dizziness, nausea, disorientation, breathing difficulty, loss of balance, headache, visual distress, or other significant discomfort.
Troubleshooting
- Guest discomfort or unstable fit → keep the guest seated, stop playback, refit the headset, and continue only with clear consent.
- Projection misalignment → recheck the approximately 5 m distance, low projector position, seating point, and body mapping before each session.
- Playback does not begin correctly → use controlled local playback and return the complete video sequence to the beginning.
- Audio issue → check headphones for VR and the small speaker for the body-projection phase; confirm charge, connection, and comfortable volume.
- Persistent technical problem → mark the experience unavailable and escalate to the artist or technical lead.
