Paper short abstract:

The research combines visual autoethnography, self-reflected-empirical, pragmatic, philosophical and practice-based approach. It takes and examines as a paradigm, an immersive 360-degree VR video storytelling, that illustrates feminine aspects and examines its creative, social and emotional impact.

Paper long abstract:

The research is emerged from my self-reflection and empirical perspective as a Greek Cypriot female academic and artist, the island’s ethnography and the current time. Consideration is given to the methodology through qualitative enquiry and to the combination of a visual autoethnography, self-reflected-empirical, pragmatic, philosophical and practice-based approach.

The paper takes practical research as a paradigm to discuss its creative, social and emotional impact. More specifically the research examines the project “Women’s stories” which is an immersive 360-degree VR video storytelling that illustrates in an experimental way the Ancient Greek drama stories of Helen and Antigone, along with modern women’s stories. The now connects with the past and outlines the future through a magical digital journey in an immersive environment where space, time and human senses are redefined, evolved and challenged. The project was experienced via QR codes and VR headsets in a gallery space within the presence of performers, that interacted with participants and gave a gleam of theatrical atmosphere.

The research question is redefining conversional narratives and contributes through artistic research practices that focus on feminine aspects. It invites feminine aspects that aim to create a plethora of emotions.

The research aims to offer the practice research as a paradigm that is a synthesis of variables that include strong emotions and qualities such as spirituality, empathy awareness and catharsis. Additionally, it aims to offer it as an example that invites digital approaches that not only documents feminine aspects but also challenges artistic methodologies during critical times.