Cathex
A poetic VR journey through emotion and memory
Cathex is an interactive VR experience that resembles a poem more than a game. Inspired by Mary Whiton Calkins’ philosophical reflections on the idea of the universe as an ‘absolute self,’ the work leads into a digital landscape that feels both secure and uncanny, almost like a subconscious mind in architectural form. Here, players explore the theory of cathexis—the emotional energies we invest in people, ideas, or experiences. The journey is not linear but is shaped by movements and decisions understood as emotional actions. As we move through different states, memories open up, oscillating between personal history and cosmic dimension. Cathex thus creates a space for catharsis, where players become not just observers but the initiators of their own narrative—an inward journey that simultaneously points outward to the greater whole.
Sine Özbilge is a multidisciplinary visual artist, XR researcher, and game and film director based in Belgium. She teaches at the animation department of LUCA School of Arts while also directing films and interactive media at Lunanime and Cinnamon Entertainment. Her work explores themes such as cyberfeminism, the subconscious, technology, human behavior, post-net aesthetics, and digital artifacts. Known for her blend of animation, live-action, and technology, Sine creates captivating and innovative narratives that have been showcased at renowned venues such as the Berlinale, Ars Electronica, the Sharjah Art Foundation, SMAK, BOZAR, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, and Denver Digerati. Her films have won awards at festivals from Ann Arbor to the prestigious BFI and have been broadcast by ARTE Court-Circuit. Sine frequently collaborates with her sister, Imge Özbilge, on various projects.