In Between Spheres.
Senior Thesis Exhibit 2022-23.
My undergraduate thesis research “In Between Spheres” encapsulates themes of identity and functionality through mixed paintings and sculptures. Through historical research and visual construction, this project explores the experience of being in between spheres. This research intersects the blur between design and fine art in the contemporary age from the perspective of multiculturally living between sociocultural spheres. Just as it takes a unique frame of understanding and empathy to move between cultures, it takes just as great of a mindset shift to move from antiquated modernist opinion into postmodernist thought regarding contemporary art. The goal of my artwork is to address these rifts in understanding and bridge gaps between both audiences. Building this portfolio served as an identity journey as I learned to integrate my four cultural heritages (Korean, Brazilian, Chinese, American), while joining two sub-fields I am passionate about: fine art (painting, sculpture) and design (product, UX design).
The exhibit.
"Avenida Professor Alceu Maynard Araújo" / 36in x 48in / November 2022 / Plaster, Acrylic, Varnish, Hooks
This is the name of my street in Brazil. I miss all the trees that surround every road in São Paulo. The colors are inspired by the colorful Brazilian culture that has formed a lot of my identity and personality.
Function!
Art!
"Jjajangmyeon" / 35cm / Lamp, Yarn, Wood Glue, Acrylic
Inspired by my Korean grandmother's specialty dish every time I visit her in New Orleans. Food has always been part of my Korean family's culture, forming childhood memories and bringing people together across borders.
"Enmeshed" / 40x30 cm / 3D Print, Glue, Spackle, Acrylic
This mirror is a visual reflection of how I felt being from such different cultures growing up. It took me a long time to fully accept being from each one and learning how to integrate them instead of separating them in different spheres.
"Peng" / 1.30m height / Chair, Plaster, Cardboard, Wood Glue, Resin, Paint
Peng is my Chinese family's line. My great-grandfather changed it to Bann when he escaped Shanghai during the Japanese invasion and moved to São Paulo, Brazil. He had a jade chair in his New York apartment that no one was allowed to sit on. It was a beautiful work of art but lost its function in its form. Here is a recreation of the jade chair, spun off my Chinese zodiac, the golden dragon. This time you can sit on it.
"Cultura Chiclete" / Table, Glass / 50cm height
In Portuguese, one can refer to the concept of "sticky" culture by calling it "chiclete" (bubblegum). Even though I was born and raised in São Paulo, American pop culture infused into my childhood and influence a lot of the way that I think and view the world. 7Belo is one of my favorite Brazilian candies. It has bubblegum inside.
"Coxinha" / Toilet Paper Holder, Paint, Mold / Life-size
Gestures make a large part of my expression and visual vocabulary. While this upwards hand gesture might mean one thing in Brazil, it means something entirely different in other cultures such as Italy. Coming to live in American has taught me the importance of gestures and they are used in different cultures to express different things.
