Personally, I found myself thinking of all my favourite science fiction films and novels, which was not what I was expecting at all. I imagine everyone would have their own personal response to the self-guided journey.
What visual artist David Musch has managed to do is very stimulating and although it isn’t a unique idea, it is what you make of it as an individual. If you allow yourself some time to stop and take in each of the different environments he provides, you’re likely to connect with many different things stashed away in your brain. If you’re a kid, you’ll find it incredibly stimulating.
One thing that you may find is it draws out your playfulness as you move through dark passages into colourful spaces that burst with energy and intoxicate your thoughts. It does have a lot of the elements you may find in a dream. There are surprises, but nothing tipping you into a nightmare. There are also strange elements that may be just as enigmatic as anything you’d encounter in your deep sleep.
One thing is for sure, you’ll have some great opportunities to take video selfies that are unlike anything else.
It’s not quite a carnival side-show experience, probably too artistically pitched for that, but it may remind you of a house of mirrors or a ghost train. That is probably the beauty of this installation – it is a little strange and a little familiar; it offers you the chance to think about dreams and imaginings. It certainly has a style and effect that will intrigue. I know the grandkids gave it five stars, so I’ll side with them because they’re the target audience.
As a fifty+ grown-up, my enjoyment (I have to admit), came from seeing how much they loved it.
Dream State is on at Adelaide Fringe in The Garden of Unearthly Delights until 23 March. Get tickets here.
