Rain Room
Immersive art taken to a new level
Amassing over half a million attendees all over the world (and counting), art collective Random International’s Rain Room now has its first home in the Southern Hemisphere right here in Melbourne. Previously showing at New York’s MoMa and the Barbican in London, Rain Room is an immersive art exhibit like no other.
Presented by ACMI and Jackalope, Rain Room boasts 100 square metres of continuous rainfall – with the added perk that you won’t get soaked through. Rigged with what we can only imagine is hundreds of motion sensors, the experience allows you to stand under falling rain, while also being protected from it. The installation is itself an incredible piece of technology, showcasing just how much the line between art and science can be blurred.
We were lucky enough to be invited down to the installation one night, to experience Rain Room firsthand. After a brief history of the exhibit and the minds behind it, the group is split into two. What may seem like a small group is necessary, as we found that too many people would just take away from the experience too much. Once under the rain, you’ll find yourself taking some of the most Instagram-worthy shots, all thanks to some very dramatic lighting.
You’ll find the Rain Room at the Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda; a structure built solely for the installation. The venue is to be used for future pieces presented by Random International, so keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming works. Rain Room is only on until the end of January 2020, and is constantly booking out, so make sure you get your tickets locked in soon.