Graduation Term
2024
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Committee Chair
Sarah Smelser
Abstract
55 PagesOccentatia is an investigation into queer world-building, inspired by fantasy games, electronic media, and the culture of the ‘90s and early 2000’s. Built by a diverse creative team of 22 artists, audiences and readers are invited to explore the medieval-Gothic world of Occentatia through drawing and illustration, video and audio, sculpture, and installation This supportive statement guides readers through inspirations, socially engaged art, insight into characters, and the development of fantastical narratives. I hope to provide clarity to my practice, displaying the need for more research on the role fantasy and gaming play in understanding queer identities, aesthetics, and art.
KEYWORDS: escapism, fantasy, LGBTQIA2S+, queer, vaporwave, video games
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Cooper, Ian, "Occentatia: Community and Escapism through Queer World-Building" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1895.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1895
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240618063948359740.999983