Random International: Rain Room

Overview

Actual rain might be a bit of a drag, but this new immersive rainfall-inspired installation is anything but. Random International's famed captivating artwork Rain Room first made the trip Down Under in 2019, hitting St Kilda — and, after a COVID-19-inspired delay, it's returning again for the summer of 2020–21.

It's a downright impressive piece of interactive art, too. Imagine the magical feeling of walking through a 100-square-metre field of continuous rainfall, without getting the slightest bit wet. Rain Room's water droplets are guided by responsive technology, ceasing to fall wherever they sense movement. It's a physical, multi-sensory experience that sets out to explore ways in which technology transforms relationships between humans and nature.

Off the back of recent stints at Shanghai's YUZ Foundation, the LACMA in Los Angeles and at the Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room has hit Australia as a permanent part of the Jackalope Art Collection, presented in collaboration with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

The internationally acclaimed work has made its home in the Jackalope Pavilion, a pop-up purpose-built space on Acland Street designed by March Studio. A ticket will allow you to spend 20 minutes in the Rain Room.

When it reopens on Saturday, December 5, you'll be able to head byWednesday–Sunday, with bookings required in advance. Only 12 people will be allowed inside at once, so you'll be socially distancing. You can also book a private session for you and 11 of your mates.

First three images: Sharyn Cairns. 

Updated November 15, 2020.