‘Enjoy the Ride’: The Space Cowboy’s New Artistic Expedition at Otherworld
As we gear up for ‘Enjoy the Ride’ at Otherworld in Byron Bay, we caught up with the man behind the art, The Space Cowboy, aka Chayne Hultgren. From setting 56 Guinness World Records, to captivating audiences in over 40 countries, he’s now making worldwide waves as a visual artist. Here’s what he had to say about his latest venture.
Tell us about ‘Enjoy the Ride’. What’s the idea
behind it?
Well, ‘Enjoy the Ride’ is kind of my way of showing where I’ve been and where I’m heading. After years of performing and always chasing the next big thrill, I found a new kind of excitement in painting. This show at Otherworld? It’s really something else. It’s not just about hanging my art on the walls; it’s about pulling people into these worlds I’ve created. Using augmented reality, I get to mesh my love for performances with my paintings, making something that’s more than just looking at art—it’s about feeling it, interacting with it and being part of it.
What made Otherworld the perfect venue for ‘Enjoy the Ride’?
Choosing Otherworld as the venue for ‘Enjoy the Ride’ was a no-brainer for me. It’s a place where art and technology meet in the most innovative ways, offering an immersive experience that’s unlike anything else. Otherworld’s dedication to interactive and cutting-edge installations perfectly complements the essence of my exhibition, which blends visual art with augmented reality. It’s the ideal setting to bring my artworks to life, allowing visitors to not just see but truly experience each piece.
Can you share what performances you’ll be showcasing during your ‘Enjoy the Ride’ live events?
Absolutely! My performances are all about the extraordinary. I’m known for a range of unique acts, like catching speeding arrows while blindfolded, juggling chainsaws on a 3m tall unicycle, and even shooting lightning from my fingertips while standing on a one million volt Tesla coil. During these live performance events, attendees will get an up-close look at the skills that helped me earn 56 Guinness World Records. You can expect to witness firsthand the art of sword swallowing and even see me bending spoons in spectators’ hands with nothing but the power of the mind. It’s a blend of art, danger, and a bit of magic that really showcases the essence of my work and how I bridge the gap between performance art and visual creativity.
How does it feel to transition from performance art to visual art?
It’s been an amazing ride, honestly. Performing live is all about that instant connection with the audience, right? There’s this rush, this immediate feedback loop. With painting, it’s more of a slow burn. You create in solitude, but then once the art’s out there, it starts speaking for itself, connecting with people over time. And with ‘Enjoy the Ride’, I’m finding ways to bring the immediate excitement of my performances into the gallery.
Augmented reality plays a big part in this exhibition. What drew you to incorporate AR into your art?
AR blew my mind because it’s like the perfect bridge between my old world and my new one. It allows me to add layers, movement, and a bit of magic to each of my paintings. Suddenly, a static image can tell a story, move, and even interact with you. It’s like the art comes alive, and that’s something I just had to dive into.
What’s the main message of ‘Enjoy the Ride’, and can attendees buy the artwork?
I hope visitors of ‘Enjoy the Ride’ feel inspired to embrace life’s journey, including its ups and downs. It’s about finding beauty in mistakes and learning from failures. If people leave feeling more ready to face life with courage and see the beauty in imperfection, then I’ve succeeded. The show is a celebration of life’s full ride.
I’m also excited to offer both original artworks and limited edition prints for sale, making it possible for everyone to own a piece of this experience, no matter their budget. Even the prints are quite special—I have made secret animations for each of them so they come alive with augmented reality technology when viewed through any smartphone. This means that even a simple print becomes an interactive, engaging piece of art in your home.
Artistic Director at Otherworld, Chris Deckker, says having ‘Enjoy the Ride’ at Otherworld is a real honor. ‘The Space Cowboy isn’t just creating art; he’s creating experiences that push boundaries. His blend of world-record-breaking performance and visual art, especially with the augmented reality, is exactly the kind of forward-thinking creativity we love at Otherworld. This exhibition is set to be a game-changer.’
As ‘Enjoy the Ride’ prepares to open its doors, The Space Cowboy extends an invitation to everyone to come and see the world a little differently, through his eyes and his art. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a chance to step into a world of wonder, challenge, and beauty, all crafted by a man who has truly lived the title of his show.
Special live performance dates are: evening shows at 5pm on April 5, 6, 7, and April 12, 13, 14; matinée shows at 3pm on April 5 and 12.
These performances are the heart of ‘Enjoy the Ride’, offering an immersive blend of The Space Cowboy’s daring performances with the dynamic world of visual art.
The exhibition at Otherworld is available for viewing until May 1.
Your ticket gives access to all Otherworld’s incredible interactive installations, live performances by The Space Cowboy and the all new ‘Enjoy the Ride’ exhibition. Refreshments available.
Book Your tickets now!
Tickets available at www.otherworld.live
