“The Sensual Experience of Waterways Immersive Exhibition: Applying the Visual Matrix Evaluatory Method” presented by Correia and Dulic

The Sensual Experience of Waterways Immersive Exhibition: Applying the Visual Matrix Evaluatory Method

This paper describes the sensory and emotional responses provoked by “Waterways: Past, Present and Future,” an immersive digital exhibition exploring human water relations in the Okanagan valley in Canada. It posits that the exhibition transcends traditional digital media displays, creating a deeply embodied and visceral interaction with the theme of water through sight, sound, and suggested tactility. Applying the visual matrix evaluator method, we discern that the exhibition captures the profound sensory engagement of participants, highlighting how the exhibition facilitates access to the emotional and cultural significances of water. We find that the exhibition not only amplifies the sensory experience of visitors but also resonates with Indigenous epistemologies that celebrate the interconnectedness of life and the holistic acquisition of knowledge. The findings illustrate that Waterways acts as a sensory catalyst that evokes a deeper cognitive and emotional awareness of water’s centrality in ecological and cultural continuums. The paper underscores the value of sensual ethnography in environmental understanding and the integration of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary museology, advocating for an enriched, inclusive dialogue on immersive exhibition design and evaluation.