COVL Explores Her Latinx Heritage in "Nuevo Norte" Mixed Reality Installation for Meta

Meta teamed up with next-gen multimedia artist COVL to create “Nuevo Norte” — a groundbreaking mixed reality installation that can be experienced in VR in Meta Horizon Worlds, a 2D mural and an AR extension on the ground at this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach. ”Nuevo Norte” is a cultural pillar entitled Tercera Cultura (Third Culture) that is part of Meta’s culture series that explores Latinx culture, identity and equity in the metaverse.

“Nuevo Norte” focuses on the theme of belonging with COVL wanting her art to engage with individuals from all ethnic backgrounds. The VR experience encompasses various locales that pay homage to the artist’s upbringing in both Puerto Rico and Miami. Highlights include the “Cafecito” in which the artist “revisits memories of spending time at local cafés with her grandparents taking in the smell of freshly brewed coffee and butter,” described Meta in a statement. Another section called “Discoteca” is a multi-level checkerboard dance floor with neon lights and giant floating manatees swimming through the sky to recall her time spent in Miami. “Growing up in Miami, COVL would fall asleep to the sounds of live salsa from local musicians.” Rounding out the VR experience is a conversation area where VR users can use the space to engage discussion and exchange insights.

COVL’s “Nuevo Norte” VR experience is also translated into an 8’x20’ AR mural which is currently on display at Art Basel in Miami at Meta’s first-ever mixed reality hub dubbed “Meta House.” COVL worked with Meta’s Spark AR team to add a layer of interactivity to the artwork, which is visible when viewed through the camera in Instagram or Facebook apps.  

Tercera Cultura also includes a docushort that will feature a talented group of Latinx individuals including COVL, physically disabled Dmonican model and actress Jillian Mercado, Costa Rican Foudner of Population MIC Sara Mora, Puerto Rican track and field sprinter Tori Ortiz, and Dominican photographer and brand owner Juan Veloz.

Learn more about the experience on Meta’s official press announcement here.

Art Basel Miami Beach
1901 Convention Ctr Dr
Miami Beach, FL 33139