From Roles to Realities: Participatory Speculative Art as a Tool for Gender and Reproductive Futures

Abstract: 

New Assisted Reproductive Technology (New ART) is a speculative reproductive clinic installation, where the artist and the curator transformed a traditional gallery space in NYC to examine how immersive design and participatory process engage audiences in reimagining gender roles. The study is guided by the research question: “How has participatory world-building in speculative art assisted in reimagining binary gender divisions?” Data collected through observational notes, visual documentation, and artifacts were analyzed using grounded theory methods, including open, axial, and selective coding. The findings reveal three key themes: (1) Simulative World-Building, where familiar design elements lowered barriers to entry, enabling diverse audiences to transition seamlessly into role-playing; (2) Role-Playing as Co-Creation, where participants embodied speculative scenarios, empathized, reflected on their own experiences, and contributing to the speculative narrative through dialogue and interaction; and (3) Participatory Artifacts as Extensions, where tangible outputs like forms and photos encouraged participants to continue engaging with the speculative narrative beyond the show. These results highlight the potential of participatory world-building to foster critical engagement, empathy, and co-creation in speculative art. By examining participant interactions within New ART, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on speculative design, participatory art, and gender studies, offering insights into how immersive frameworks can challenge societal norms and inspire alternative futures.