We’re all going to die eventually, but now you can experience what death might feel like without actually putting your life in danger.
As part of the week-long Reimagine End of Life conference—a series of events focused on death and the celebration of life—headed to SF this month, a trippy new exhibit will use V.R. and sensory-specific technology to let guests experience what it might be like to kick the bucket
“There’s a certain thing that happens...when you’re actually immersed within [the virtual experience of dying]," installation artist Kent Bye told VICE. "It actually triggers mirror neurons in a way that you’re able to connect at a heart level. You’re able to start to explore some of those difficult topics that we haven’t really been able to explore before. I think death is one of those.”
Your death trip is a small-group experience (although it's advised that you choose a different time slot than any friends or loved ones who also want to participate) and there may be some consensual touching and micro-interactions. Guides will take you through the exhibit, which involves lying down, climbing stairs and doing things that "might be out of your comfort zone." Details (like death) remain vague.
The VR visuals for the exhibit were created to serve as bleak backdrops to orbiting anatomic objects like human hands, polygonal shapes, and more amorphous subjects throughout the virtual immersion. The soundscapes soundtrack comes courtesy of electronic musician Yoko Sen.
Feeling a bit parched thinking about your pseudo death? Before the exhibit, you’ll have the option to sip freshly brewed tea from cups that were pressed and molded from cremated human remains.
The Second Chance exhibit takes place April 20–22, tickets are $77 at eventbrite.com.