Aarti Bhalekar

Digital Direction (MA)

"STALL" is a 360 VR Film. In the film a young person gets their first period. Too embarrassed to seek support from their parents, they embark on an extraordinary journey. In each alternate toilet universe, they encounter displays of solidarity, open discussion around the prevailing taboos of menstruation, and gain an understanding that periods are natural and nothing to be ashamed of.

"The Secret Garden" is an AR experience that invites the audience to visit a hidden garden that only comes to life in extended reality. It is the first chapter of a series that encourages the flourishing of starlings by translating bird behavior to humans through immersive technologies. The songbird’s population is on a huge decline in the UK. We aim to communicate this urgent issue by inviting our audience to embody a starling and indulge in play.

“Will We Disappear in the Cover of the Sky” is the second chapter in a series exploring the current landscape of avian ecology in the UK. This immersive film guides visitors through various landscapes, narrated by a starling that recounts the challenges posed by rapidly expanding human activities.

About

Aarti is a multidisciplinary designer, born in India and currently based in London. Her portfolio spans advertising, Film, and education. Aarti is passionate about crafting captivating art pieces that explore ecology, playfulness, and love.

Aarti’s experience in the advertising industry is diverse, having worked in both corporate environments and independent studios. She has contributed to projects in the ed-tech space and collaborated with brands like Amazon Prime, Royal Enfield, and Nickelodeon, among others.

Her projects at the RCA, including “STALL,” “The Secret Garden,” and “Will We Disappear in the Cover of the Sky,” aim to spark engaging conversations through digital storytelling and immersive technologies( VR, AR, and digital Film). Aarti believes that sharing impactful stories that resonate with people is the essence of storytelling through immersive tech.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds fulfillment in supporting communities through her creative practice. She has assisted various foundations, including the Monami Foundation and the Rotary Club in Mumbai. She has leveraged her design expertise to create impactful visual storytelling that contributes to missions focused on making a positive difference.

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