Sarah Swist & Kevin Mercer

Blooming Landscape 1-3
Stills from Peri-Bloom Loop, 2022
VR experience developed with Unity3D, Adobe Photoshop

Peri-Bloom Loop depicts a vast, otherworldly landscape dotted with remnants of architecture
and stands of dead trees. The environment undergoes a cycle of rebirth spurred by a visit from
strange, crystalline bodies. The experience investigates themes of environmentalism and
humankind’s future within a mysterious, yet serene world. Simultaneously hopeful and
cautionary, Peri-Bloom Loop tells the story of a landscape attempting to heal.

Video documenting the work can be viewed here: https://www.bubblegumandwhiskey.com/vr

Bio

Sarah Swist
Sarah Swist is currently Assistant Professor of Art at Southwestern Illinois College. Her creative
research involves drawing and painting, textiles, and digital painting and fabrication processes.

More from Sarah:
www.saraheswist.com

Kevin Mercer
Kevin Mercer is currently Assistant Professor of Digital Media Arts & Animation at Southern
Illinois University. His creative research involves game development, installation art, and
experimental animation.

More from Kevin:
www.kevinrmercer.com

Collaborative Statement
Kevin Mercer and Sarah Swist, often exhibit as a collaborative pair. Their work spans a variety
of media, including physical object making, digital collage, and virtual reality experiences.