Exhibition Statement
Culture is a fluid story we tell ourselves and each other.
I want to create a series of spaces that allow people to reflect on their cultural identities and experiences, navigate the complex emotions and paradoxes that come with that, and be able to share their stories and connect with each other.
Ultimately, I want people to leave with a sense of peace, knowing that their experiences and viewpoints are valid. For those who feel stranded between multiple cultures, I want to say that our unique combinations of experiences is a strength. We are not alone and our differences do not necessarily isolate us.
Literary component: excerpts from “Conversation with Immigration Officer” by Ae Hee Lee.
What is "Tetrapoda"?
Tetrapods are vertebrates with four limbs or leg-like appendages. Belonging to the superclass Tetrapoda, these animals include amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. They are believed to have evolved from the lobe-finned fishes in the middle Devonian Period. So we as humans are all tetrapods, originating from the sea.
I use a lot of water imagery to symbolize our past to retell the story of missing a homeland and the process of assimilation. An immigrant is commonly described as “fresh off the boat” or “a fish out of water.” And The Little Mermaid, when viewed through the lens of a foreign experience, becomes a tale where the mermaid trades all aspects of herself to exist without a voice in a world that ultimately rejects her. Even outside of a cultural context, the sea is where we all came from. The ocean is our collective home. I combine that with elements of East Asian culture since that is my background.
Exhibit Model
"Prophecies"
After walking through the above experience, people can bring their own notebooks or buy one at the exhibit to journal by answering the reflection prompts provided in the lantern “tents.”
I interpret the meaning of “prophecies” from the poem as wishes and visions for the future, which are symbolized by lanterns as they carry our hopes and dreams. I wanted to create a light and airy space that people will feel comfortable reflecting in and gather at the center.
Interactive Wall
After journaling, people can scan in spreads of their notebook if they want to share. The spreads will appear on an digital screen so others can read them.
When the exhibit first opens, to prevent people from feeling intimidated by the blank screen, there can be pre-opening workshops for those who feel more interested in this subject.
"Whale Songs"
After going through the exhibition and journaling, there will be a lounge/cafe space called "Whale Songs" for visitors to enjoy drinks and snacks, connect with each other, and relax. Below is a moodboard that I have curated. (I do not own any of the images.)
