Riya Bhagat is an experiential designer and multimedia artist who explores the speculative realms of how scientific and technological advancements could reshape societal structures.
Her work frequently takes the form of interactive installations, audiovisual experiences, graphics, Illustrations and sculptural/object design, all set within conceptual world-building narratives. Riya is particularly skilled in working with biomaterials, continuously seeking innovative ways to integrate them into her art.
While studying at the Royal College of Art, Riya leveraged her background in communication design, set design, and museum design to create tactile and interactive experiences that critique the fashion industry’s environmental impact and expose greenwashing.She examines how climate change drives behavioral shifts, focusing on how evolving realities influence human habits and attitudes. Her projects consistently explore the theme of care from innovative and diverse perspectives.
Her project, “Fashion After Fashion,” envisions a future where clothing transforms into living suits inhabited by a cellulose-producing bacteria. These garments adapt and evolve with their wearers, secreting bacterial cellulose in response to environmental factors, thereby expressing each individual’s uniqueness. This work redefines fashion as a symbiotic relationship that promotes care, healing, and a deeper connection to the non-human world. It advocates for a shift away from disposable fashion towards garments that are nurtured, evolving, and cared for over time. Riya hosted a workshop around this speculative narrative, utilising a film she created that presents a vision of the future.
Riya has graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai, India, where she developed her expertise in fashion and textiles, with a focus on communication design skills for the industry. She has designed for international projects such as The Archies and Merry Christmas on Netflix and has designed science museums across India. Her work has been exhibited at venues like Orleans House Gallery and Corner 7 Camden, showcasing her ability to engage with diverse audiences.