Flow State

Overview

If you think you've experienced immersive art before, perhaps think again. One of the multi-sensory works set to grace the program of Melbourne's inaugural Rising festival invites audiences to (literally) submerge themselves deeper than ever before.

The brainchild of sound artists Sara Retallick and Amanda Roff, Flow State takes the form of a sonic bathing experience, set beneath the stars against the tranquil backdrop of Herring Island — that wedge of land in the middle of the Yarra near Como Park.

As a guest, you'll be boated to the island, where you'll slip into a private heated tub for your sonic bath, letting the curation of soundwaves and vibrations transcend your body and mind. Because of this conduction process, the work's designed to be enjoyed nude, though you'll have the option of keeping those togs on if you're a little freaked at the thought of stripping down fully.

Of the unique project's conception, Retallick explains: "I came to this idea of making a bathtub where a solo audience member could take part in a constructed listening experience outdoors while submerged in water and sound." She and Roff then spent a lot of time visiting Herring Island and researching its troubled colonial history, to inform their artwork's deep connection to place.

Only a handful of lucky people will be able to partake in Flow State, with two-hour bathing sessions running throughout each night from May 26–30 and again from June 2–6. This select audience will be chosen via a raffle, which is being drawn on Monday, May 17. You can enter the ballot up to ten times, at $10 a pop — try your luck here.