Since 1996 CREW artists have been exploring the artistic possibilities of technologies such as VR and Mixed Reality. With the research project Soulhacker they join forces with the neuroscientists of Brai3n. By mixing art and VR they are investigating new therapeutic solutions and insights in psychiatry. Art is employed here to empower people with psychic issues.

Soulhacker returns to the hypnotherapy by Dr. Milton Erickson, who successfully applied metaphors, contradictions and symbols in the treatment of diverse psychopathologies. The new virtual world that CREW developed for Soulhacker puts patients as agents at the centre of the recovery process.

In the past few weeks CREW finalized Soulhacker in a trial setup and in the coming months Dr. Georges Otte of Brai3n will put the therapy into practice.

During Design Fest Gent on 28, 29 and 30 April from 10-17h the public can discover the project in S.M.A.K. Ghent. On Friday 29 April Eric Joris, artistic director of CREW and Dr. Georges Otte of Brai3n, will give a joint lecture about the project.

Here is a first impression.