From dorm to sci-fi lab: Anna Nikolova (MFA '21) explores our relationship with technology through virtual worldbuilding
Dream big and be an ardent believer in your abilities and talents. Embrace the feelings of uncertainty and doubt as reminders that by challenging yourself, you grow and excel. Cherish the relationships you make, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Hi Anna, congratulations on completing your MFA! What was the focus of you project?
My research is centered around the theory and aesthetics of virtual worldbuilding. For my MFA thesis project, I recreated my student dorm room as an interactive 3D space, where the viewer can “teleport” to an imaginary parallel world, where the room is transformed into a science fiction lab. The idea behind the project was to invite the audience to explore the virtual environments from a first-person perspective and by interacting with objects to unveil a non-linear story, concerned with topics related to science fiction, our relationship with technology, and seeking reconnection with nature.
Wow, what a neat intersection of ideas. What brought you to researching virtual worldbuilding?
I have always been fascinated by the convergence of art and technology. I started working on digital art in high school and completed a highly practice-based BSc program in Multimedia, Computer Graphics and Animation at New Bulgarian University. It was very exciting for me to put all my acquired skills to use in creating original content, centered around important topics and expanded through more advanced graduate level theory. I reached a point where I could go through the development pipeline faster and bring even more ideas to life, which is integral to virtual worldbuilding. Starting from the ABC-s of Computer Graphics to finally creating entire navigable 3D spaces is a dream come true, a vision manifested to reality.
Being a graduate student is a unique experience – what was your favourite part?
The graduate student cohort, without a doubt. Meeting many like-minded people from diverse backgrounds, all passionate about their research, was for me the biggest asset of university life. It was an amazing feeling to be part of an environment that thrived on mutual motivation, constant brainstorming and support. During the full year of online studies, the integrity of our cohort and the virtual sessions we scheduled ourselves helped us all keep our spirits high and minds sharp. I will be forever grateful for the many lifetime friendships I made!
As an international student, what did studying in Canada mean to you?
Moving to Canada and completing a Master’s program was an incredible milestone. It taught me perseverance and patience, and it changed the way I perceive my strengths and achievements. I learned to value the small accomplishments on the path towards bigger goals. Most importantly, I discovered how many challenges I could overtake and build upon the experience to keep moving forward.
Do you have an idea of where you will be moving forward to?
If someone had told me two years ago that I would be celebrating becoming a uLethbridge Alumni, I would have wholeheartedly laughed in disbelief. At that time, I was immensely worried about finding the right graduate program and whether I would be able to support myself throughout its duration. Little did I know, even more worries would arise when the world came to a halt in March 2020. My entire university journey has been so dynamic that I learned to welcome the unexpected with open arms. So, I can’t outline a clear plan for the future, but I hope to better myself every day and continue working on fulfilling tasks.
Last question: any advice for future graduate students, or those just starting down this path?
Dream big and be an ardent believer in your abilities and talents. Embrace the feelings of uncertainty and doubt as reminders that by challenging yourself, you grow and excel. Cherish the relationships you make, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Want to take a peak at Anna's project?
Take a peak at her profile on ArtStation, where you can find screenshots, work process snapshots and gameplay walkthroughs.
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