CONCEPT

As an ongoing project exploring humanity’s relationship to the unseen,  I want to create an installation that continues to use the element of the dark and negative, seeking to create an immersive, interactive space that serves as a gateway to the subconscious. By engaging with the shadow, the space invites participants on an experimental journey of self-discovery.

The installation aims to peel away the external “them” to reveal the internal “I”, encouraging individuals to confront and embrace their deepest desires and primal forces. The core theme is to explore oneself, feel oneself, and ultimately, become oneself.

DISPLAY





DOCUMENTATION


• In a society where the ‘self’ is often defined by “social rules,” “family roles,” and “social relationships”, the true desires and longings of individuals are often suppressed and cast aside from society and the self. We tend to view ourselves through the eyes of others, and an overly dominant superego can stifle the impulses of our true desires, causing us to lose connections with our true selves in the midst of societal standards and external expectations.


INTERACTIVE CONCEPT

                         
            
• UV resin was one material that I found to be super interesting and perfect fit for the inner part of the installation. It possesses remarkable transparency and malleability, with a visual effect like water. Yet, we often overlook or ignore transparent and subdue things. What captivates, however, is its shadow---a striking contrast to its own appearance. Like the true self hidden deep within, when meets light(when we see and recognize its existence), it can burst great potential.



Light Testing


Light testing: I wanted to create a very calm and peaceful environment when people interact with the shadow, so I thought of using a night lamp, which can automatically change its color. Due to the uneven surface of the resin material, the light shines through created a stunning effect.







Change 0/1 switch to Arduino control




Light testing with Arduino


 





DEVELOPMENT_OUTER PART





Throughout the process, I was in a dark room, illuminated only by the projector’s glow. Melting the sheets to mirror the contours of the shadow, I crafted intricate lines and squares. These elements metaphorically represent the complex standards, rules and burdens we carry with us , and thus, became our social mask (Persona).
                            

Outer sculpture


Combine the inner and outer                                              





When it comes to the projection content, my vision is to express the intricate relationship between our inner selves and the external world in a rather abstract manner. Starting from words that can characterize the external world, such as noisy, rich, judgmental, complex, and so on to create corresponding video.

As for solution, I have landed my idea on the element of the eye, as it represents the “always watching and judging aspect of our superego, and the expectation and pressure from the society.

Projection content                    


   
Option 1

I used elements of acid design, such as liquid metal, aluminum foil plastic, incorporates with the eye, to create a psychedelic visual effect. The first option is complemented by high saturation colors, making the eye to blend into the background, aiming to express the invisible gaze that comes from both oneself and society.                                                


Option 2_USED FOR FINAL

The second option maintain the visual effect of the liquid metal, making the eye elements more prominent to reflect the judgmental aspect of the self and society."
              
OUT
 
FINAL SETTING  UP:

              
FINAL LIGHT TESTING: Position & Height