AR installation challenges ideas about fashion and gender at Sheffield DocFest
PhD researcher Rob Eagle, based at the Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC) at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), has developed an augmented reality (AR) wardrobe to challenge our ideas about fashion and identity and introduce audience-members to the lived experiences of Bristolian genderqueer and non-binary people.
The project, entitled Through the Wardrobe, will premiere at Sheffield DocFest 6–11 June 2019. It invites viewers to explore a wardrobe of clothes and play with the idea of gender expression using clothing selected by four genderqueer participants and an AR headset. It forms part of the festival's Alternate Realities Exhibition where it is nominated for the Best Digital Experience Award.
Rob Eagle said: "I wanted users to have a physical experience as well as a virtual one. The work relies on the power of touching physical objects whilst harnessing the creative freedoms of the augmented reality headset. The work challenges gender norms and asks questions about why people make particular decisions about the way they dress."
Rob's practice-based research, which is funded through the 3D3 Centre for Doctoral Training, builds on new narratives in gender studies exploring how we express our gender identity.
The installation was assembled with help from four genderqueer participants inspired by their own stories and fashion choices. Many of the items came from charity shops and vintage stores in and around Bristol. For trans, gender-nonconforming and non-binary people, charity shops are one of the few non-gendered places to buy clothes on the high street.
Mandy Rose, Director of the DCRC said: "Rob's project demonstrates the potential of immersive media to engage the user in a novel experience that invites them to reflect on the lives of others. Rob is a successful documentary filmmaker, who is thoughtfully translating his storytelling skills into this new experiential creative territory. It's terrific that he's been invited to exhibit the work in competition at Sheffield DocFest."
After Sheffield DocFest, Through the Wardrobe will be on tour later this year, dates to be confirmed.
Related news
23 May 2025
Academics feature in documentary exploring the rebirth of Bristol's iconic Megascreen
Professor Mark Bould and Professor Charlotte Crofts are featured in a new documentary about the fascinating journey of the former Bristol IMAX cinema.
21 May 2025
Students reveal creative responses to real-world experiences at UWE Bristol Showcase
UWE Bristol’s Showcase, celebrating student creativity and innovation across the College of Arts, Technology and Environment, returns this June.
19 May 2025
The Big Thing, a landmark event for immersive artists in the UK, comes to Bradford
Immersive Arts will launch its first major event this June in Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture, to bring together the country’s immersive arts community.
17 April 2025
UWE Bristol art students showcase work at Spike Island Open Studios
Spike Island – the home to UWE Bristol’s BA and MA Fine Art courses - opens its doors for the annual Open Studios on 2 May.
16 April 2025
More than 80 UK projects receive nearly £1.2 million in first Immersive Arts funding round
Almost £1.2 million has been allocated to 83 artist-led projects across the UK.
04 April 2025
New partnership between UWE Bristol and Bristol Creative Industries will develop student talent network
UWE Bristol and Bristol Creative Industries (BCI) have formed a new partnership to support Bristol’s thriving creative businesses and provide enhanced careers opportunities to students entering the industry.
03 April 2025
Interdisciplinary studio bridging the gap between creative industries and technology opens at UWE Bristol
A new £3.6m laboratory has opened at UWE Bristol which will provide a unique arts, humanities and technologies multi-disciplinary space for researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses across the West of England.
07 March 2025
UWE Bristol and Ashton Park School transform urban landscape near university campus
Students bring creativity and a splash of colour to a well-used city underpass by painting a new mural celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
07 March 2025
UWE Bristol students triumph at regional RTS Awards
UWE Bristol filmmaking and animation students won three categories of the RTS West of England Student Awards, held at Watershed in Bristol on 3 March 2025.
03 February 2025
Exhibition celebrates inaugural year of students’ creative agency
Students from UWE Bristol’s New Wave Creative Agency will showcase their work at an exhibition at Arnolfini from 8 February.
22 January 2025
Talent collaboration programme UWE Futures expands to support diversity in Bristol's legal and creative sectors
UWE Bristol's talent programme, UWE Futures, which offers paid work experience to global majority students, has expanded in its second year to include more legal firms and a leading organisation in Bristol’s creative sector.
07 January 2025
Assistant Vice-Chancellor selected to join Creative Industries Taskforce
Assistant Vice-Chancellor Lynn Barlow has become part of a new taskforce to help deliver a plan to grow the UK’s creative industries.