The workshop focuses on the exploration of contemporary body perceptions through the lens of virtual identities and shape-shifting embodiments. Participants will delve into how individuals use or misuse avatars and social media to conceal or reveal their true selves. The examples and assignments are carefully selected to align with educational goals, addressing questions about modern body perceptions and the interplay between digital technology and identity. By designing interactive AR face filters, using tools like Spark AR and Blender, students directly engage with the course material. This hands-on approach ensures that theoretical concepts are not just abstract ideas but are actively applied in creative digital art projects.

Through this assignment, students will develop a range of competencies:
1. Technical Proficiency: hands-on experience with AR technology, specifically using Spark AR and Blender, enhancing students’ digital skills.
2. Creative Problem-Solving: students are challenged to design interactive AR face filters that visually represent the themes discussed.
3. Critical Thinking: By examining the contemporary body, students cultivate a critical awareness of the implications of digital technology on identity.

By the end of the week, students are required to submit an interactive face filter that reacts to the user and shifts in shape, along with a video showcasing the face filter in action. These face filters will be uploaded to Instagram for public interaction.?
Optionally, the workshop can be enriched by collaboration with a museum or cultural institution. Each group is assigned a theme or artwork from the museum to inspire their shape-shifting face filters. At the conclusion of the workshop, the completed projects are exhibited in the museum, and the face filters are featured on the museum’s social media channels as part of an online engagement initiative.

Day 01: Introduction to the theme
— Lectures on the concept of virtual identities in contemporary society.
— Group discussion on online embodiment and avatar usage.
— Exploration of the artistic references for creative inspiration.

Day 02: Conceptualization Phase
— Individual research into the assigned topics.
— Utilizing (plexi)glass, mirrors and markers for analog sketching.
— Brainstorming sessions to refine concepts.

Day 03: Designing AR Face Filters
— Introduction to AR technology and its applications on social media.
— Step-by-step guidance on designing AR face filters.
— Small group work to create AR face filters that represent the themes discussed.

Day 04: Introducing an interactive element
— Enhance AR face filters by adding interactive layers such as sound and movement.
— Record example or ‘in use’ videos showcasing the AR face filters.
— Finalize and upload the completed AR face filters to Instagram.

Day 05: Publishing and Presentation
— Integration of AR face filters into a final presentation or exhibition.
— Presentation of students’ work to the group.
— Reflection on the learning objectives of the workshop.

— Mother of Pearl: Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/1761967730981176)

— [Face Void] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/873753149695519)

— [Holoctopus] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/764982551039414)

— [Greenman] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/430838581665439)

— [Rojo] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/2936904223195839)

— [Björchid] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/757101721377077)

— [Medusa] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/5303432486343194)

— [Flame] Example of a AR face filter
(https://www.instagram.com/ar/1612129592495558)

This workshop was developed by Janna Beck, Annelise Cerchedean and Gina Poortman for the 5th student workshop of the Erasmus+ project Digital Mythologies – Mythological Digitalities (DIMYMYDI) held at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.

Additional Tools
— Mirror/(plexi)glass
— Scissors
— White Board Markers
— Beamer/presentation screen