The Bridge

The Bridge is an immersive virtual reality art installation by Ukrainian artist Nikita Shalenny (artist and director), created in collaboration with Khora Contemporary, a Copenhagen-based virtual reality studio. The experience takes viewers on a symbolic 40,000-kilometre journey around the world, crossing imaginary landscapes, forests, oceans and abandoned places.

Based on the artist’s original watercolour paintings, the virtual environment explores themes of migration, displacement, uncertainty, escape and the search for a better future. Using virtual reality technology, the artwork immerses viewers in a digitally created three-dimensional world, transforming traditional visual art into an experiential journey.

The installation features original music by Nadja Odesiuk for string quartet and electronics, performed with live violin and cello, adding an emotional dimension to the immersive experience.

Exhibitions & screenings

2018

• Berlin, Germany — Salon Berlin, Museum Frieder Burda, Back to Nature! (13 April – 18 August)
• Brussels, Belgium — BOZAR, Centre for Fine Arts, When Art Meets Science (27–29 April)
• Copenhagen, Denmark — CPH:DOX, Kunsthal Charlottenborg (15–25 March)
• Copenhagen, Denmark — Code Art Fair
• Geneva, Switzerland — Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) (2–10 November)
• San Francisco, USA — If So, What?, Palace of Fine Arts
• Hamburg, Germany — VRHAM! Virtual Reality & Arts Festival
• Beijing, China — Beijing Design Week
• Maribor, Slovenia — PERSONAL, Kibla Portal
• Leipzig, Germany — DOK Leipzig, International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film

2019

• Berlin, Germany — Synthesis Gallery, So Far, Still So Close

2025

• Denmark — Uncurtained, Ukraine House in Denmark

Production

VR production: Khora Contemporary, Copenhagen. Format: immersive virtual reality (VR) art installation.