The Aesthetic Lives of Particular Nobodies: Exploring Phantasmic Fictional Character Narratives on Instagram

Date
2019
Authors
Crowe, Ellen
Supervisor
Robertson, Natalie
Sheehan, Maree
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Design
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This visual illustrative project explores the inherent fictionality of Instagram. Imagining Instagram as an urban environment, it follows the fictional lives of two main protagonists and their virtual circle of friends. It was found that Instagram narrative requires an open-ended structure with no conclusive endpoint, wherein story is focused on character self-image and their place in a social network. This research project demonstrates how Instagram can host original character development through serial image-making and self-performance. Instagram enables the establishment of rich and nuanced character identities and preferences, and the testing out of their virtual relationships through conscious interactions.

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Keywords
Instagram , Visual narrative , Illustration , Digital storytelling , Social media narrative , Online persona , Instagram fiction
Source
DOI
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