Bunny and Cat: Chapter One markers on paper 43 x 34 cm My piece is a murder-mystery comic that explores the corruption of innocence. Inspired by the duality of characters from my childhood–Hello Kitty and Miffy–whose blank expressions can be seen as calm and cute or haunting and sinister. The red color I used throughout the comic stands out against the monotonous black and white, symbolizing the rage that Bunny feels beneath her cute appearance. |
Bunny Mask papier-mache and acrylic paint 43 x 20 x 18 cm The idea to make a mask was inspired by the horror short film “Possibly in Michigan” (1983) by Cecelia Condit, which features a cannibal who stalks two women and disguises himself using animal-head masks. The bright red eyes of my mask stand out against the white background, symbolizing the anger that some might feel when their innocence is taken, leaving their childhood behind. The cute exterior hides the corruption behind the mask. |
Down the Rabbit Hole gouache and recycled computer parts on watercolor paper 32 x 42 cm My piece combines painting and collage elements to convey the negative effects of technology. The Bunny symbolizes the innocence that we once had as children and the anger that comes with losing it. The complex metal computer parts symbolize the harsh reality of the internet and the evil things that can be found beneath its inviting appearance. This piece places Bunny in the context of the modern era and how the innocence of children is being corrupted by what technology can expose them to. |
Isolation Tank clay, glass fishbowl, aquarium decorations, water 14 x 15 x 8 cm I portrayed the feelings of loneliness and isolation both as a mental state but also as a physical sensation. The figure is completely submerged in the water, reflecting how loneliness often feels like “drowning.” The character and its surroundings masquerade the feeling of loneliness, using multiple bright colors as protection from the judgmental world. |
Nobody’s Home gouache on watercolor paper, foam board 33 x 48 x 5 cm Isolation slows the passage of time, leading to a monotonous, repetitive life. This monotony is shown through the repetitive motif in my works that represents loneliness-- a small figurine whose features resemble my own. This figure, seen in each room of a brightly decorated house, has no mouth to indicate a positive or negative expression and has their eyes directed toward the clock. |
Alone Again acrylic paint, foam board, found materials, plastic toys 15 x 15 x 15 cm Inside the room, the figure is isolated in a childlike bedroom, staring at the ceiling and unwilling to move. The outside of the room is painted to look like an endless galaxy, representing the void of loneliness. Despite the cheerful aura of the bedroom, the figure is still being crushed by the void just outside the window panes. |
Cxistential Erisis
D: 85 cm magazine clippings, found materials, and acrylic mirror on paper I conveyed the idea of an existential crisis with a large, chaotic assemblage that included many 2D and 3D materials, as well as a star-shaped mirror in the center. The assemblage surrounding the star represents how overstimulating it can be to comprehend the meaning of life. The audience will see themselves in the mirror as the piece rotates on its central axis, representing how people believe that they are at the center of the universe until they have an existential crisis. |
Shattered Reality acrylic paint, foam board, and mirror on canvas 46 x 61 cm An existential crisis can shatter one’s idealistic view of reality. The cracked, sharp-edged star represents that crisis. We perceive stars as simplistic shapes, but in reality, they are giant balls of fire. Similar to this skewed perception of stars, most people perceive their existence as something important. In reality, it is small and insignificant in relation to the universe. The contrast between the stars and the colorful background reflects this deceiving perception of reality. |
Nobody is Alone
Acrylic mirror, plastic container, plastic beads, and water 9 x 14 x 22 cm This is a concluding work to my "transformation" theme. My previous works focused on the struggles of growing up, but this work represents connection and solidarity. Instead of a singular star shape, this piece involves dozens of stars that represent how everybody grows up and struggles, and that nobody is alone. This message is reinforced by the interactive component of my artwork, where I encourage people to place their hands in the water and become connected to the piece itself. |