GHOSTS OF THE ATLANTIC
An interactive multimedia documentary 3D installation artwork
Ghosts of the Atlantic
Integrated Media
2025
Wood, Acrylic, Electronics, Textiles, Paper, Projection
7.5' tall, 4' wide, 2' deep
"In the dead of night off Nova Scotia's coast, the steamship SS Atlantic met its tragic end."
Ghosts of the Atlantic is an interactive, multimedia, 3D installation. Through six biographical segments, the piece tells the story of the long-forgotten sinking of the SS Atlantic, highlighting the bravery and humanity of those involved.
The installation consists of a plinth supporting a model ship. Hidden inside the plinth, projection technology brings the story to life using Pepper’s ghost, sound design, environmental projection, and archival footage. Ghostly figures inhabit the ship with a simulated physical presence. The museum-like structure invites the audience to interact with it. By pressing buttons, viewers can select different perspectives to follow throughout the narrative.
This innovative storytelling generates empathy for lost stories by giving forgotten people voices, physical presence, and embodiment. The blend of researched documentary, theatre, optical illusion, and 3D installation builds a sense of intimacy, embodiment, and presence for the tragic yet inspirational story of the shipwreck.
The installation consists of a plinth supporting a model ship. Hidden inside the plinth, projection technology brings the story to life using Pepper’s ghost, sound design, environmental projection, and archival footage. Ghostly figures inhabit the ship with a simulated physical presence. The museum-like structure invites the audience to interact with it. By pressing buttons, viewers can select different perspectives to follow throughout the narrative.
This innovative storytelling generates empathy for lost stories by giving forgotten people voices, physical presence, and embodiment. The blend of researched documentary, theatre, optical illusion, and 3D installation builds a sense of intimacy, embodiment, and presence for the tragic yet inspirational story of the shipwreck.
Disclaimer
Due to the challenges of filming projected images, this visual documentation may not fully capture the clarity, colour, or immersive experience of the original installation. It is best experienced in person.
Overview
Please enjoy Ghosts of the Atlantic Chapter V - The Fisherman as a short example of the entire presentation
Digitally Experience the Full Story of Ghosts of the Atlantic
In the dead of night off Nova Scotia's Coast, The Steamship SS Atlantic met its tragic end.
Experience the story through six unique perspectives. Play a video to begin.
Chapter I | Captain
Chapter II | Officer
Chapter III | Child
Chapter IV | Mariner
Chapter V | Fisherman
Chapter VI | Priest
Exhibition Images
Process Images
Selected highlights from Ghosts of the Atlantic
(Full Installation Runtime: 26 Minutes)
Created By Luke Heimpel
Narrated By Neil Aitchison
Based Upon Research By Bob Chaulk -
Chaulk, Bob. “Atlantic’s Last Stop - Courage, Folly, and Lies in the White Star Line’s Worst Disaster Before Titanic”. Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2021. Print.
Based Upon Research By Greg Cochkanoff -
Cochkanoff, Greg, and Bob Chaulk. “SS Atlantic: The White Star Line’s First Disaster at Sea”. Goose Lane Editions, 2009. Print.
Inspired By The Documentary Work Of Tom Lynskey - The Terrifying Wreck of the SS ATLANTIC (Halifax, 1873 - 150th ANNIVERSARY), Part Time Explorer, 202
Thank you: Sally Nguyen, Monica Zhang, Dererk Sullivan, Natalie Waldburger, Kristi Chen, Simone Jones, Sophie Zakinthinos, Luisé Cisneros Alavez, and Neil Aitchison