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Contribution short abstract

The VR film explores the fluid boundaries between researcher and researched, forming an assemblage of co-produced memories and affective encounters. It invites viewers to navigate fluid storytelling while challenging traditional hierarchies in ethnographic storytelling by decentralizing power.

Contribution long abstract

The film serves as both an ethnographic and autoethnographic exploration of the lived experiences of two women: Cigdem, who lost her sight at a young age, and myself, who experienced partial vision loss due to a retinal artery occlusion. Beginning with my narrative as a storyteller/researcher—it gradually weaves Cigdem’s story together with my own, blurring the lines between perspectives. It invites viewers to explore fluid storytelling while challenging traditional hierarchies in ethnographic research by decentralizing power and engaging with critical questions of memory.

The project integrates digital media practices into ethnographic research, using VR to reconfigure traditional fieldwork methods. By layering, distorting, and juxtaposing visual and auditory elements, the film aims to reshape our shared experiences into a dynamic narrative disrupting the linearity of knowledge transfer and seeks to reimagine ethnography as a collaborative and participatory process. The immersive and participatory nature of the project aims to decentralize curatorial authority, offering dialogic engagement while aiming to explore the potential of digital media to reimagine curatorial practices.

Note: There will be two experiences—one in VR and another with a 360-degree sound experience specifically designed for blind people. Technical Requirements: A Windows PC capable of running VR applications.

Meta Quest 2 ( Quest 3 would also work) Either Wi-Fi or a Quest-PC connection cable (Meta Quest Link Cable) to connect to the PC. 360-degree sound experience: Headphones with binaural audio capabilities for a more personalized experience.

Trailer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WLFSYr4LM134I2qMRPt3Tk6RgVZe95CL/view?usp=sharing