Misfit Dollz The Wonderverse (2026)

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Misfit Dollz: The Wonderverse is a multi-component mixed-media installation that incorporates surrealism, creative play, communal collaboration, and multiple modes of interactivity. This project consists of three main components: (1) a virtual environment, (2) a complementary participant-based activity, and (3) an immersive space for installation and staging. Each component is inspired and informed by the five major themes: (1) Toys as Cultural Signifiers, (2) Impact of Toy Design & Marketing, (3) Toys as Mediums in Artivism, (4) Customization, Personalization, & the DIY Movement, (5) Nostalgic & Communal Practices as Therapy. This project integrates analog and digital participant engagement and contributions while also creating a space where individuals have options for how they engage. Toys and recreation, specifically, play, facilitates and encourages self-exploration, worldbuilding, storytelling, and creative expression. Self-expression, the freedom to imagine, is in itself a form of creative autonomy. Visitors assume the roles of the creator, participant, and observer, thereby better understanding abstract concepts, beliefs, interests, and self-perception. This project emphasizes how play or other forms of recreation positively impact social, emotional, and psychological development when children and even adults redefine or control the narratives, toys, or roles they engage in during play. This project also emphasizes the emotional and therapeutic benefits of play, especially in developing social skills and creativity. Visitor interactivity can be perceived in three degrees: (1) observer or viewer, (2) participant or explorer, and (3) creator or collaborative artist.

(1) As An Observer:

An individual who chooses to be an ‘observer’ when engaging with this project has the opportunity to watch both the virtual display on a 55-inch monitor and the collaborative group activity, in which pre-selected collaborators and visitors will participate in a brief creative activity. Visitors can passively engage while also becoming immersed in the installation space.

(2) As A Participant:

An individual who chooses to be a ‘participant’ has the opportunity to explore the Wonderverse, using a keyboard and mouse with autonomy over where and how they navigate the virtual environment. They can interact with different elements of the environment, engage with collaborators' contributions, and may feel inspired to participate in the group activity.

(3) As A Creator:

An individual who chooses to be a ‘creator’ when engaging with this project has the opportunity to engage in an activity that facilitates collaborative creative play with other individuals by creating their own ‘Misfit Doll’ and, through this creative practice, become a part of a larger multi-media art piece.

Activity Workflow: TemplateScannerAnimated Sprite

(1) Templates are scanned and relocated to a Unity project file.

(2) Backgrounds are removed, and a pre-made rig and pre-made animations are applied to the new scans.

(3) A #csharp script is attached, allowing the newly created sprites to spawn within the virtual space.

Virtual Environment Workflow: ToyTripo/Meshy3D Model

(1) Toys are photographed from multiple angles .

(2) Using Image3D Model functions toys images are converted to 3D models

(3) Models are imported into the virtual environment using the Tripo/Meshy bridge plug-in on Unity.

Materials & Mediums Used:

Hardware: Laptop, Monitor, Portable Scanner, Speaker, Keyboard & Mouse

Software: Unity, Tripo, Meshy, Artlist, Photoshop, Procreate, Canva, Final Cut, FL Studio

Show Case Slideshow.