GRIS, THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF: From virtual to reality

GRIS, THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF: From virtual to reality

 Pain is a universal feeling that all human beings experience at least once in their lifetime. In medicine, pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory perception associated with actual or potential tissue damage. There are different types of pain, including acute pain and chronic pain but above all there is a great distinction between physical and psychological pain, very often the latter is also the cause of the other.

 Throughout life, we experience many situations that cause pain and this can be caused by significant experiences, relationships or even substance abuse. Pain is something that all human beings have in common: from children who can suffer from the divorce of their parents, to a man grieved by the loss of a partner, from a teenager who suffers from the end of a relationship, to a patient who receives a diagnosis terminal illness doctor.

 Suffering is an inevitable part of human life, and it is an experience we all go through at different times. However, even though it can be difficult to deal with, pain can also be an opportunity to grow and overcome our limitations. We took as inspiration the video game Gris from the developers Nomada Studio, in which pain is a central theme. The game follows the journey of a young girl trying to overcome grief and loss, navigating through a surreal fantasy world. The game is known for its breathtaking visual art and intricate architecture, which create an immersive and exciting gaming experience.

 In this project, we will address the topic of pain through the prism of the five stages of pain, a theory that describes the process that many people go through when dealing with a loss or painful event. These five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Mainly we want to explore how these stages of grief play out in daily life and how we can overcome grief and reach the final stage of acceptance. However, these stages do not follow a linear order and everyone experiences them differently, but these stages can be said to represent a pain processing process.

 This analysis of pain and its phases, uniting it with the world of digital architecture, has allowed us to examine how technology can be used to create virtual environments that reflect our inner state and how a story with a strong psychological character can be told. Digital architecture has reached incredible levels of realism and detail, allowing designers to create virtual environments that feel almost real. Autodesk 3DS software is one of the most widely used programs in the field of architectural visualization, enabling designers to create 3D models that are as complex and realistic as the resulting images.

 We will explore how digital architecture and Autodesk 3DS software can be used to create environments, inspired by the video game Gris, illustrating the different stages of grief. The aim is to bring certain environments of the game into three-dimensional space, which is entirely in two dimensions. The challenge is to remain faithful to the aesthetics of the game but try to aim for realism, creating spaces that sometimes cannot be real but which present extreme realism. Through the use of tools such as virtual reality and digital art, the goal is to create immersive experiences that can make the observer feel the different stages of pain, from the initial stage to the deepest, up to healing and upon recovery.

 Ultimately, this project aims to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of taking care of yourself during difficult times. Thanks to the images created through digital architecture and technology, it is hoped to raise awareness of the impact of pain on mental health and to create a moment of reflection that can contribute to a better understanding of human suffering.

MONOLOGUE

In a world where pain seems insurmountable,

where mental health is tested,

where every conquest is a step into the unknown,

five phases stand as sentinels of life.

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance:

these are the stages that we all have to face,

because life is an ever-changing work of art,

where pain and happiness intertwine in an endless ballet.

The tears of those who suffer know no boundaries,

and pain has no face, no name, no gender, no color, no religion,

but it hides in every corner of the world, ready to attack when you least expect it.

Yet, in the midst of this pain, there is also the strength of the human soul,

that finds its way through suffering, and gets up stronger than before.

But how do we deal with this pain, this darkness that sometimes seems unbearable?

Perhaps the answer lies in understanding,

in empathy, in looking at the world with new eyes and above all in taking care of our mental health.

Because only when we stop to listen,

when we put aside our prejudices,

we can see beyond the pain,

and find the light that shines within every human being.

VIDEO BREAKDOWN

 Symbolic images are a powerful tool for representing complex and multifaceted concepts such as pain, life, and inner discomfort. These images often employ visual metaphors to convey a deeper and more evocative meaning. Some metaphors are more obvious and clear, while others require careful analysis and a more nuanced interpretation.

 The beauty of symbolic images lies in their ability to communicate beyond words and conventional concepts. They can touch our souls, creating a lasting emotional impact and allowing us to delve deeper into our thoughts and feelings.

 In summary, symbolic images are a valuable means of communicating complex and profound concepts. They have the power to evoke a sense of emotional connection and pave the way for inner exploration and personal growth.

 All the images produced contain elements that have symbolic significance. We have tried to remain faithful to the references and have provided our interpretation. Therefore, this is our perspective and personal reading of the images we have created. However, they are open to interpretation by the observer, and our intention is precisely to allow them to empathize and provide their own interpretation.

DENIAL

 As the first two images of this journey, we depicted a gray environment where undefined elements are present, sometimes slightly blurred, symbolizing the inability to see reality clearly. The presence of white also represents the erasure of colors, the lack of emotions, and the rejection of the real world, creating an empty reality with nothing true inside.

Reflected Contemplation

 The first image portrays a deserted white beach with the protagonist in the center, while the lower half of the image shows the reflection of the water. The only elements in the scene are rocks, with the person appearing to be the sole presence in a vast expanse of sand and water, representing the feeling of emptiness and solitude that can accompany the denial of pain.

 The reflection of the water adds a sense of depth to the image, creating a kind of duplication of the surrounding environment and lending a sense of mystery and allure to the scene. The absence of other people or any human activity accentuates the feeling of isolation that pervades the image.

 Furthermore, the scene can represent a sort of withdrawal from the external world, an escape from everyday life, and an isolation in one's own concerns and fears. The person in the center of the image appears to be enjoying a moment of contemplation, seeking to find a connection with nature and with themselves.

Architecture Of Denial

 The second image depicts a deserted white beach, from which emerges a ruined temple with a dome punctured by a sinuous black element of unknown nature. Furthermore, other elements of the same entity are present in other spaces.

 The image conveys a sense of abandonment and destruction, with the temple appearing to have been forsaken and left at the mercy of the natural elements. The tilting of the temple and its partial submersion in the sand suggest a tumultuous past, characterized by natural events or human conflicts.

 The sinuous black element emerging from the dome of the temple adds a sense of mystery to the scene, implying the presence of dark and enigmatic forces that may have been responsible for the temple's destruction and its current state of abandonment, which serves as a metaphor for the main character's inner turmoil. The image invites us to reflect on our capacity to overcome adversity.

ANGER

 In the images depicting the phase of anger, we instead used the color red to represent rage and frustration, and we set the scene in a desert with strong gusts of wind. We created a desolate landscape with rocks and rugged terrain, symbolizing the turbulence of emotions that accompany anger.

Resilience Of Destruction

 The first image depicts a bridge with large cracked arches, leading to an equally dilapidated temple. The light is warm and the sky is orange, giving the scene an oppressive atmosphere. The image conveys a strong sense of anger and destruction, marked by flying rocks and surfaces with sharp edges.

 The bridge and the temple appear to have been abandoned and left to the forces of nature, further emphasizing a strong feeling of conflict and destruction. The presence of the destroyed bridge may also suggest the end of an era or period, with the temple representing what has been lost or destroyed.

 The warm light and oppressive atmosphere can represent a sense of anger or despair over what has transpired. However, the image can also be seen as a representation of the strength of humanity, with the bridge and the temple symbolizing our ability to overcome difficulties and build a better future by crossing the bridge. Thus, the image portrays a story of destruction and loss, but also of strength and resilience.

Storm In The Inner Desert

 For the second image of the anger phase, we chose to set it in a rocky desert with flying stones on which there are fans activated by the sandstorm. The image conveys a sense of danger and unpredictability.

 We included the fans as we envision bursts of anger as strong gusts of wind that emphasize a great sense of struggle, akin to a video game. The rocks and debris represent the obstacles that people must overcome to confront pain and move past the anger phase. The character takes refuge in fortresses that are partially destroyed, symbolizing that she still doesn't know how to handle her anger. The sandstorm represents the inability to see beyond, as one becomes "blinded by anger."

 The rocky desert and the sandstorm can represent life, with the flying stones symbolizing the challenges and difficulties we encounter along our journey. The fans activated by the sandstorm can represent our reaction to adverse events, with anger igniting suddenly and potentially causing further harm.

 However, the fans can also represent our ability to adapt to circumstances and find creative solutions to our problems. Their activation can be seen as a sign of hope, with the sandstorm representing the possibility of change and personal growth. In fact, this phase is crucial, and anger, as an expression of emotions in a healthy manner, is a natural and necessary response.

 The image invites reflection on our reaction to adverse events and our ability to overcome difficulties and find beauty and hope in life, despite everything.

BARGAINING

 Regarding the bargaining phase, in the images, we instead depicted a green environment symbolizing hope, and we added elements such as bridges, forests, and arches to represent the search for a way out of the painful situation. In the bargaining phase, individuals may experience a sense of powerlessness and the need to find a way to negotiate with the situation they are facing.

Balance Negotiation

 The first image depicts the main character befriending a forest creature. The setting is indeed a forest, abundant with ferns and red mushrooms, with a reddish light in the background that contrasts with the predominant green in the foreground. The image conveys a mystical sense of mystery and connection with nature.

 It is an action stage where a negotiation takes place within oneself to find a way to avoid pain. This is manifested through the character's friendship with the creature found in the forest. Although the predominant color should be green, traces of red are still visible because previous emotions are always present and will be throughout all five stages. The reddish light in the background may still represent a threat or imminent danger.

 However, establishing a friendship with the creature can also represent our ability to find the good in every situation and to find beauty in nature and our surroundings. The contrast between the reddish light in the background and the predominant green in the foreground can represent the struggle between good and evil and the need to find a balance between the two forces.

On The Edge Of Hope

 The second image portrays the main character in the center of the scene on a bridge that is about to break, within a structure of ruined arches. The light coming from the left illuminates the main character, creating a strong contrast between light and shadow. The image conveys a sense of danger and vulnerability.

 The main character on the bridge represents a person facing a difficult situation, a personal crisis, or a dangerous circumstance, on the verge of collapsing into an abyss. The structure of ruined arches represents a glorious past crumbling away or an uncertain and unstable future.

 The light coming from the left can represent hope or a possibility of salvation, or it can also represent an imminent threat. The strong contrast between light and shadow can symbolize the struggle between hope and despair. The image invites reflection on our ability to face difficulties and find hope even in challenging and unstable situations.

DEPRESSION

 In the images of the depression phase, we used blue to represent sadness and melancholy, and we created dark and desolate environments where the forms are heavy and oppressive. Blue is associated with water and cold temperatures, calmness, tranquility, and serenity, but also a lack of strength to move forward, conformity, and sadness.

Lights Of The Dark

 The scene is set in a dark and undefined location where there is a body of water, illuminated by a blue light coming from the left. Trees and rocks can be glimpsed, appearing as almost black silhouettes. However, the scene is made mystical by the presence of small blue lights that color the environment. Additionally, there are elements belonging to an unreal world, taken from the game Gris.

 The blue light represents a sort of magic or enchantment that envelops the scene, creating a dreamlike and mysterious atmosphere. The small blue lights represent glimmers of hope scattered throughout the image, almost resembling a starry sky.

 The presence of elements from the game Gris represents the exploration of fantastical and unreal worlds, where reality and fantasy merge, sometimes leading to getting lost.

Rebirth In The Blue Cave

 The image depicts a cave with clear water at the bottom and a tree in the center, illuminated by a blue light coming from above. The blue light, in this case, represents hope and inspiration, spreading through an otherwise dark and mysterious place like a cave.

 The tree, at the center of the scene, is illuminated by the blue light and symbolizes life and rebirth, even in such a hostile environment as a cave. The clear water at the bottom represents the unknown and can be seen as a source of refreshment and comfort in such a dark and mysterious place.

 However, the body of water and the possibility of diving into it is a metaphor for diving into one's own feelings, for expansion, but it can also represent a trap from which it is difficult to escape, leaving one breathless.

 Therefore, the illuminated tree and the clear water can represent a source of rebirth and healing, and the blue light that illuminates them can be seen as a positive force that guides us towards light and rebirth. It is an invitation to find hope and inspiration even in difficult moments of life and to find the strength to rise and heal, just as a tree does in such a confined space.

 In this scene, like in the previous one, the character is lost in the darkness, so they are hardly noticeable in the scene. The focus is on the tree and the light, symbols of hope.

ACCEPTANCE

 Finally, in the images of the last phase, acceptance, we used the color yellow to represent hope and rebirth, although not as the main color but as part of a combination of colors that recall the previous phases. We created environments where light takes center stage and the forms are light and harmonious.

Memories Of The Future

 This image depicts a snowy mountain landscape with two architecures, made of glass and frosted glass, in the foreground surrounded by lush vegetation. Within the architecture, there are lanterns and lights illuminating the scene with a warm glow. In the background, there are snow-capped mountains and an aurora borealis, creating an ethereal and captivating atmosphere.

 In the foreground, there are fireflies that represent the wild nature and enchantment of the night. Their presence brings a sense of peace and harmony with the world. In the background, there is a green and purple aurora borealis dominating the night sky.

 This represents the beauty and grandeur of nature, as well as the mystery and unpredictability of the universe. Its presence adds a touch of magic and mystery to the image. This celestial phenomenon is often associated with ideas of wonder and beauty, but it can also evoke a sense of mystery and power.

 The combination of these architectural and natural elements creates an image that seems to be on the border between the real world and the fantastical realm. The vegetation represents the beauty and vitality of nature, but also its vulnerability and the need to protect and care for it. Together, all these elements create an image that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us, as well as our awareness and acceptance of what is beyond our control.

 Furthermore, the image suggests the idea of a remote and isolated place where wild and untouched nature meets human architecture. The presence of the glass architecture, with its transparency, is an attempt to connect humans and nature, to create a bridge between two different worlds. It evokes a sense of wonder, mystery, and natural beauty, creating a captivating and fascinating atmosphere.

Discovery Of The Unknown

 The image represents a captivating and mysterious landscape: at the center, there is a small temple, likely of ancient origin, standing tall in the scene. The staircase leading upwards appears steep and lacking a definite destination, as if representing an endless journey. The scene is illuminated by a warm light.

 The arid vegetation and cacti, typically Mediterranean, represent the strength of nature, which has taken over the works of humans. In the background, the sea represents the vastness of the infinite and the impossibility of controlling it.

 The ancient temple and the warm lights illuminating it represent the human pursuit of knowledge and truth, and the desire to enlighten minds with acquired wisdom. The steep staircase represents the challenge or obstacle to overcome in order to reach a goal.

 The scattered ruins on the floor represent the past, with its history and experiences, but also fragility, while the warm light represents hope and positivity. Finally, the sea represents the infinite possibilities of existence, but also the inevitable fate of humans to be engulfed by the vastness of the infinite.

 The image can be interpreted as an invitation to overcome difficulties and seek hope and positivity in one's life. The steep staircase represents the commitment and effort required to achieve personal goals, as well as the relentless pursuit of humans to find their purpose in life. The temple, on the other hand, represents reflection.

 The warm yellow lights can symbolize the hope and positivity that have guided the character on the path toward this goal, acceptance. In this sense, the image can be seen as a metaphor for life itself, with its challenges and difficulties, but also with its opportunities for growth and rebirth, accepting that there will still be other difficulties, symbolized by the stairs, to face.

REFERENCE

Based on Nomada Studio and Devolver Digital: GRIS

FURTHER MATERIAL

High resolution images, book (italian) and more information about the authors: link.