Now in its 11th year, LAB MFA is Locust Projects’ national open call residency for current MFA candidates to experiment and exhibit at a pivotal moment in their practice.

This summer, we welcome Parinaz Moghadampour, an MFA candidate in Graphic Design at Florida Atlantic University. Her immersive, tech-driven work blends AI-generated visuals, 3D animation, creative coding, and real-time interaction.

At Locust Projects, Parinaz will create Oasis—a fictional world brought to life through Leap Motion, Kinect, and MIDI controllers. The installation critiques media-fueled consumerism and its environmental impact through interactive, poetic experiences.

A new piece debuting in Oasis uses Touch Designer and AI to let visitors regenerate endangered plants through gesture, exploring catharsis, empathy, and ecological awareness.

LAB MFA is presented as part of Locust Projects commitment to supporting the next generation of artists each summer through LAB, LAB MFA, and the Teaching Artist Summer Studio Residency and other summer projects inspiring NEXT GEN TALENT.

This year’s jury panel included past exhibiting artist Wendy Wischer;  last year’s LAB MFA artist Jessica Reisch; artist and FIU professor Ariel Robbins; and coordinated by Locust Projects’ cofounder Elizabeth Withstandley. 

Oasis is a Knight digital commission.