Disrupting binaries : analysing androgyny and gender performativity through three-dimensional characters and interactive art

Abstract

This research investigates androgyny throughout the years, through psychology, pop culture and the arts. This analysis focuses predominantly on the performance of gender in society, as well as virtual reality. This notion of performance is further developed through the media used for the final project. My research, explores how, strict gender binaries, have been broken down through the mediums of art and pop culture. This is further explored through the use of three-dimensional software programmes, through which digital artists can fabricate new characters and can bring about change through thought-provoking visuals. The final exhibition represents gender performativity through the use of lenticular prints and three-dimensional software. The performance and interaction of the audience is a key factor to this study. It is through the use of such a medium that the study undertaken has been connected to the visuals. The final project represents a body of work that requires an audience for it to transform from one state into another. The characters’ gender transforms through the simple movements of the audience; this ultimately reflects upon gender performativity. The research methodology, which involved project-testing, explores how the media used can reflect the message. The responses have shown that lenticular prints elicit interaction from the audience and that through this method, the audience effectively engages with the exhibited works.