Harriet Davey – Whowle Hearted
30 May - 18 Aug 2024
Harriet Davey’s solo exhibition on virtual.hek, «Whowle Hearted,» beckons you into the enigmatic and fantastical dream world of Grangor, explored through Davey’s digital alter-ego, Whowle.
Based in Berlin, Germany, Davey is an established 3D artist and designer whose works often delve into the dynamics of avatars, bodies, and the fluidity of identity across both physical and digital domains. Their solo exhibition offers an interactive journey through a curated collection of her new and past creations, weaving them together into a Gesamtkunstwerk that visitors can explore in a 'choose your own adventure' style net-based artwork. Visitors are transformed into players, navigating through cinematic sequences and narrative passages as Whowle, Davey's digital counterpart and alter-ego.
Whowle embodies a non-binary character that amalgamates aspects of the artist's physical appearance with supernaturally luminous skin, pointed elven ears, and nymph-like bone structure. Adorned in a variety of captivating ensembles, Whowle's muscular physique is sometimes draped in attire inspired by cyber siglist fashion, steampunk armor, or reminiscent of Thierry Mugler's designs. The fluid presence of this avatar transcends conventional dichotomies, blurring boundaries between human and digital, feminine and masculine, softness and hardness.
Upon entering virtual.hek.ch, you'll embark on an odyssey through the dream realm of Grangor, in search of enigmatic artifacts. Guided by Whowle across treacherous landscapes inspired by Davey's upbringing amidst the isolated moors of Yorkshire, the experience delves into hidden lore and intricate world-building, drawing references from past works and live-streamed gameplay. Notably, Grangor serves as the speculative setting for all of Davey’s past real-time performances. Davey emphasizes, "everything here is canon!" The journey is arduous, devoid of any 'easy mode.' It is further enhanced by original generative music and foley soundscapes crafted by the composer duo snake_case.
Based in Berlin, Germany, Davey is an established 3D artist and designer whose works often delve into the dynamics of avatars, bodies, and the fluidity of identity across both physical and digital domains. Their solo exhibition offers an interactive journey through a curated collection of her new and past creations, weaving them together into a Gesamtkunstwerk that visitors can explore in a 'choose your own adventure' style net-based artwork. Visitors are transformed into players, navigating through cinematic sequences and narrative passages as Whowle, Davey's digital counterpart and alter-ego.
Whowle embodies a non-binary character that amalgamates aspects of the artist's physical appearance with supernaturally luminous skin, pointed elven ears, and nymph-like bone structure. Adorned in a variety of captivating ensembles, Whowle's muscular physique is sometimes draped in attire inspired by cyber siglist fashion, steampunk armor, or reminiscent of Thierry Mugler's designs. The fluid presence of this avatar transcends conventional dichotomies, blurring boundaries between human and digital, feminine and masculine, softness and hardness.
Upon entering virtual.hek.ch, you'll embark on an odyssey through the dream realm of Grangor, in search of enigmatic artifacts. Guided by Whowle across treacherous landscapes inspired by Davey's upbringing amidst the isolated moors of Yorkshire, the experience delves into hidden lore and intricate world-building, drawing references from past works and live-streamed gameplay. Notably, Grangor serves as the speculative setting for all of Davey’s past real-time performances. Davey emphasizes, "everything here is canon!" The journey is arduous, devoid of any 'easy mode.' It is further enhanced by original generative music and foley soundscapes crafted by the composer duo snake_case.