Paradoxical Realities: Embodying cultural and storytelling concepts in an Interactive Digital Narrative

Tatiana  Tavares; Marcos Mortensen Steagall

doi:10.24135/link2023.v5i1.243

Tatiana Tavares Auckland University of Technology
Marcos Mortensen Steagall (Translator) Auckland University of Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/link2023.v5i1.243

Keywords: Gorgeous realism, Augmented Reality, Interactive Narrative, Polyvocal, Practice-led research

Abstract

This presentation outlines a practice-led, artistic research project that asks: What is the potential of an interactive digital narrative in exploring the interplay between story elements to examine the boundaries between reality and imagination within the framework of Realismo Maravilhoso? The design outcome, Saints of Paradox, is designed as a printed picture book that can be expanded through the use of AR (Augmented Reality) technology. The book’s structure allows for the reading of different versions of a narrative as presented by three distinctive syncretic narrators, or saints. These saints are syncretic and they interpret a story through changes in illustrative content and monologue. The artistic artefact is formatted as a series of pictorial sets in potentia. Upon scanning the pages with a mobile device, animated characters emerge within a illustrated world, accompanied by cinematic soundscapes. Methodologically, this research emanates from an artistic research paradigm that supports a heuristic approach to the discovery and refinement of ideas. Thus, the research draws upon both tacit and explicit knowledge in the development of a fictional narrative, its structure, and stylistic treatments. Three interrelated methods are used: designer’s journals, iterative assembly, overviewing and testing, and the strategic use of feedback. The project contributes to polyvocality and dialogical storytelling and aids in the creation of a distinctive transcultural narrative text through practice. It expands the possibilities of interactivity and immersion within a sequential, print-based narrative.

Author Biographies

Tatiana Tavares, Auckland University of Technology

Dr Tatiana Tavares is a Senior lecturer and the Programme Director for Doctoral Studies at AUT University in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a practicing artist with 15 years experience in the graphic design Industry. Her artistic doctoral thesis (completed in 2019) is concerned with the potentials of polyvocality and interactive digital narrative. Her subjects involve practice-led research methodologies, Latin American syncretism in artistic and literary form, magical realism, and emergent technology. Her design practices cross graphic design, creative writing, illustration, prop making, film, sound design, AR technology and animation.

Marcos Mortensen Steagall, Auckland University of Technology

Marcos Mortensen Steagall is an Associate Professor in the Communication Design department at the Auckland University of Technology - AUT since 2016. He is the Communication Design Postgraduate Strand Leader and Programme Leader for Communication Design and Interaction Design for Year 3. He holds a Master's (2000) and PhD (2006) in Communication & Semiotics acquired from The Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a PhD in Art & Design from Auckland University of Technology in 2019. Research interest focus on Practice-oriented research in Design through a Global South perspective.