Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Beyond reality
She is performing at the end of year art and design show, which opens tonight and is part of the university’s creative arts festival, Beyond.
Kayleigh Eliza will perform an original song while wearing a virtual reality headset while being immersed inside a VR environment she has hand-painted using Google Tilt brush.
She said: “The virtual environment that I will be experiencing whilst performing will be displayed on a screen for the attendees to witness, who will see the artwork reflecting the lyrics and themes of the song. After the performance, visitors will be able to explore the artwork environment for themselves.
“I’m really looking forward to showcasing my work at the Beyond creative arts festival. Having the opportunity to showcase my work to fellow students, the wider university, and the people of Leeds is brilliant. Leeds is a fantastic city with a great reputation for the creative arts, and Leeds Beckett helps hone in on the unique qualities of a student and how they can use those qualities to create exceptional work – I have had lots of encouragement recently with my VR work, however niche and unexplored it is as an art medium.”
Numerous opportunities already await Kayleigh Eliza following her graduation in July, including illustrating author Elizabeth Lindsay's 28 upcoming e-books. She also teaches specialist experimental VR techniques and creates content using VR for Rolling With the Girls, a Leeds-based skateboarding group.
Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, Professor Peter Slee, said: “We educate more than 1,600 students a year in creative subjects, providing rich future talent for regional, national and international creative industries. Kayleigh Eliza is just one of those very talented students whose work is already in demand.
“We have a real strength in the creative arts and the Beyond festival is a great opportunity for people across the city to experience first-hand the talent of Leeds Beckett students.”
The university is a hub for creative talent in the city and is investing £80m in a new Leeds School of Arts building in the city centre. The state-of-the-art building will be home to the new Leeds School of the Arts, set to open in September 2020.
The end of year show for art, architecture and design, runs until 21 June.
Photo supplied by Kayleigh Eliza.