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“Mindscape” is a non-interactive VR experience which explores escapism from internal conflict caused by social pressures. By exploring my own experiences of belonging to different, opposing social circles and my own tendencies to escape into the world of fiction, gaming, and fandom, I hope my work will resonate with others. The concept of the cage exists in three different senses in Mindscape. The birdcage which houses a flame symbolising the self, represents how society and its unwritten rules limit individual expression, often causing emotional distress. The more identities one has, the more cages they have. The library not only represents escapism through fiction and the learning of different worldviews, but also the mind, the second cage: We are often our worst critic. The ribcage represents the pain of inner conflict, the suppression of ourselves when we live for others, and the loss of self when we submit to the rules of a society. The mind-cage breaks as you leave the cavern, and the world breaks apart into free nothingness. The work repeats, symbolising that the process of self-discovery, empowerment and acceptance is a long and repetitive journey. This work was created using Maya, Substance Painter, Unity, Krita and Audacity.

Ren is a junior 3D artist who likes telling stories and exploring concepts through 3D modelling, asset design and animation: many objects and places tell of a history of humans, and there are many untold stories hidden within the details. They often draw on their own experiences when creating their work and gravitate towards themes relating to intersectionality and Queerness.