In a decaying industrial utopia fueled by the extraction of oil, Alexi, a former surveillance operator, revisits the ruins of his past life while unraveling the mysteries of a strange signal from outer space. As users explore the stark, snowy landscapes and crumbling structures of Ash Valley, we uncover fragments of Alexi’s memories, his struggles with an oppressive regime, his fractured relationship with his wife, his ideological pursuits, and the haunting consequences of his actions. Haunted by an ever-present strange signal he picks up from outer space, Alexi’s perception of reality begins to blur. The signal weaves through his consciousness, conjuring visions that intertwine the decay of his world with ethereal apparitions. As users navigate these shifting landscapes, we witness Alexi’s journey toward liberation, redemption, and a glimmer of hope amidst the haunting echoes of his past.

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The work is presented in an immersive installation set within a reconstructed, dilapidated radio station that is an exact replica of the opening scene of the film in which Alexi apparition first appears. The virtual environment mirrors the physical environment the viewer first enters, creating a seamless onboarding experience to the virtual realm. By merging spatial design, tactile atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Echos of Ash Valley aims to bring another dimension to the way audience experiences stories.