Real Avatars - Queer Costume Workshop Project

a Costume Workshop Series & Exhibition on digital & analog identities and bodies
by Özgür Erkök Moroder / Young Arts Diversity - Berlin
assistance. Sena Nur Baş
Real Avatars is an inclusive costume workshop for young queer people of all colours from different cultural backgrounds age of 9 to 16 years old. During 3 months of workshop process, youngsters had the opportunity to reflect on body, identity and diversity through artistic costume design production. They re-imagined their bodies and designed wearable avatar costumes as real-life video game/digital characters as bridges between online personalities and real-life identities.
The workshop focuses on self-expression, self-determination, empowerment and diversity and promotes a safer space for experimentation and creativity.
Process
Introduction: Participants discussed digital identities and bodies while sketching their avatar concepts. .
Design & Prototyping: They experimented with textiles, templates, sewing machines, and 3D printing pens to craft masks and props as extensions of their avatars.
Production: Using recycled fabrics, sewing machines, and hands-on crafting tools, they brought their designs to life in a collaborative and creative space.
Presentation: The journey culminated in a green screen photo shoot and 3D scanning, celebrating their avatars as both physical and digital creations. photo shoot led to individual posters for each participant. youngsters chose their own backgroung images. Besides the posters also the 3d scans are presented in a video work in the exhibition.
show took place in Apartment Project Berlin in the frame of the project "Neukölln Zuhören" between 17-21 December 2024
supported by Soziofond Kultur and Young Arts Diversity