“The Ascent” by xxxy/Yehuda Duenyas (2012)

The Ascent is an apparatus that allows a single participant at a time to levitate via harness; the higher they rise, the more explosive the lighting, video, and audio becomes. The rate of ascent is controlled by the participant’s brainwaves, measured via EEG sensors. The “power of the rider’s calm” is what signals the harness to rise and the media cues to operate. Thus, the higher one goes, the more challenging it becomes to maintain a meditative calm amongst the media explosions, giving The Ascent the structure of a game as well as a ride. Those waiting in line to take part watch as spectators; there is also an observation deck for those to prefer simply to watch (or who don’t buy tickets). The Ascent was created by Yehuda Duenyas, who graduated with his MFA from RPI and now works for Disney.