A seven-minute virtual reality piece by the Oscar-winning director Alejandro Iñárritu putting you in the shoes of Mexican refugees will be shown at the Fondazione Prada in Milan and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Lacma). According to the trade magazine Variety, participants edge along the US/Mexico border pursued by border guards and helicopters in the disturbing VR piece, entitled Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible). “The big mistake of VR is that it has been considered an extension of cinema,” Iñárritu said. “It has been considered a promotional tool. It has been devalued. This is an art in itself.” Fondazione Prada and the media company Legendary Entertainment have funded the edgy VR work. The piece, unveiled last week at the Cannes film festival, will be shown at the Prada Foundation in Milan from next month (7 June-15 January 2018); timed tickets will be available for the Lacma stint which is due to launch 2 July.
